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What do I look at? When I go strolling or scrolling I unconsciously filter what I see. This notion was brought to my attention twice in the past few weeks. And admittedly, my looking and liking activities on Instagram and Facebook reinforced the fact that I am visually selective.
My friend emailed a gallery of images that were discussed in her online art class. Unimpressed, I wrote back “A lot of the paintings in the link you sent appear to be religious and under arches. Why were these particular paintings selected?” She replied “They weren't selected because they were religious but because they were very influential.” My reply was “I did read the Wikipedia article just now. Your email and the artIcle provided some context to the gallery of images. I must admit when I’ve gone into European Churches and museum galleries with renaissance paintings, I only have given a cursory look. Perhaps if I had a better foundation in art history I would have spent more time.” Filters can limit experience and growth.
But, filters can also add to enjoyment. In another email exchange, my cousin wrote
“While I am comfortable with solitude, I am getting a bit anxious to go to my 'browsing' stores -even though I am not much of a shopper.” I can relate to that…it is fun to go into ethnic markets, antique stores, gift shops, and galleries without the hope or expectation that I will buy something. I love seeing interesting, hand made, iconic, one-of-a-kind, creative objects. I avoid department store clothing and cosmetics. That’s not what I want to browse or look at.
When I look at art on social media, I generally respond quickly. Color, subject matter, technique, design, and originality capture my attention. I often scroll past well crafted paintings that, in my opinion, are mundane, pretentious or soulless. I seem to be attracted to the subjects that I paint…urban scenes, crowds, figures, and portraits. But I also am taken with sculpture, ceramics, abstract paintings, unusual subjects, original styles, and drawings. Even with my sensory censor, there is much to see.
What do you like to look at?
From sheltered art to sheltered food. For me, cooking has taken precedence over painting in recent months. I have exhausted my sheltered painting subjects as I refuse to arrange oranges and wine bottles for a mundane still life. I’d rather focus on their culinary attributes.
For many of us, preparing food now has new challenges. First of all, it is simply more difficult to shop. Secondly, cooking nearly every night, with an occasional respite from takeout or leftovers, requires focus and planning.
These challenges are opportunities for comfort, conversation, and creativity. Cooking from a limited pantry is not that different from painting from a limited palette. In both cases, it is possible to come up with something appealing. Red, yellow, and blue paint can create endless possibilities. Canned beans, olives, and artichoke hearts can be the heart of a delicious meal.
Just as daily painting makes a better painter, cooking every day makes a better cook. Although Netflix food shows and recipes introduce a world of possibilities, daily practice and experimentation have brought me to a higher level.
I recently asked my nine year old granddaughter if she knows any words in French. She quickly replied, “Dijon mustard and Bon Appétit.” Those are my parting words.
