Being Seen
Much has been written about seeing. Not just surface appearances but the meaning that lies beneath…those insights that prowl the depths of understanding. But what about the power of being seen? Most living beings seem to understand that they can be seen and are sometimes watched.
Those closest to the bottom of the food chain live in a state of constant awareness.
Predators want stealth—camouflage is important but nature makes them beautiful. What irony!
What about flowers? Do they pose and deliberately act pretty? Do mountains rise up to be more easily observed? Does the sunset employ a spiritual artist who composes the evening spectacle? It seems like it.
What about humans wanting to be seen? There are untold numbers of narcissists who strut and posture and demand to be observed and admired. Others of us are uncomfortable in the limelight and that can cause us to hide and let the tensions grow.
And art? Does art wish to be seen? What other purpose does art have? What other gift could it give?
Some paintings practically hang themselves. They appear to fly up to the hook, preen in the light and ruffle their pigments as you pass by. They droop with disappointment if you pass without even a glance. If you stop to look with honest interest, they happily reveal their secrets. It’s your reward for being cool enough to care and smart enough to understand. The more you look, the happier they become.
We can also look at ourselves as we exit this incredible year. We survived traumas. We were bounced and rattled by the highs and lows. But maybe our bouts with PTSD were stepping stones to a higher reality. Me? I reached for the magic that I could feel if not fully understand. I found it at times in the communal prayer that is the beauty and vision of art. I found it in the arts that orbit the spiritual—spiritual art.
Thank you for joining me in that communal prayer.
This was absolutely lovely.
"Some paintings practically hang themselves. They appear to fly up to the hook, preen in the light and ruffle their pigments as you pass by. .."
"I reached for the magic that I could feel if not fully understand. I found it at times in the communal prayer that is the beauty and vision of art. I found it in the arts that orbit the spiritual—spiritual art."
Resonating with these two especially after my 2024. Thank you for sharing and being you. Blessings for this year ahead!!
BRILLIANT AS ALWAYS ❤️❤️❤️