Shining Through the Darkness: & Note # 3

Beauty and art live up here in our noggins. It’s all in our heads.  If we don’t keep art alive, PTSD wins.  The dark forces of the world will do a victory dance. 

Look at this early painting by J. M. W. Turner. The light of heaven is compelling its way through the night, illuminating the little humans in their fragile little boats. The darkness envelops and the sea threatens, but they have to push on—ride it out.

So that is what I am trying to do—push on—spread the magic light of art as much as I can.  Albert Ryder could make the moon conquer the night.  It goes right to your heart.  There is a simple truth to his work.

Here is a tribute to Albert Ryder from my Capitol series. It’s called “Ryder in the Sky.”  I was trying to bring light and a simple truth to the darkness that has been descending on that great bastion of Ideas.

Note # 3: PTSD and Art begins its 3^rd year. We have followers in 25 US states and 12 countries.  Thanks for coming along; it gives this old guy some hope and a reason to continue to write.

PTSD and Art will continue to be free.  If you wish to contribute in some modest way, I suggest the monthly rate of $5 (less than a Cappuccino). You can subscribe for a full year for $50, which makes the monthly rate even less. 

Also, consider downloading the Substack App to make comments and join a conversation about art and spirituality.

In “The Flight into Egypt,” Rembrandt allows the light of hope in a very dark time.  In the coming weeks and months there could be chaos throughout the world.  But no matter how dark it may seem, we can together push on and shine the supernatural light of beauty and the vision of art. 

So, thank you all for joining me as we continue to climb out of the darkness of PTSD and the shadows that threaten us all.

1  “Fishermen at Sea” – J. M. W. Turner

2.    The Lovers’ Boat -  Albert Pinkham Ryder

3.  “Ryder in the Sky” – James John Magner

4.  “The Flight into Egypt”  -  Rembrandt

James John Magner  jamesjohnmagner.com