Kintsugi shows us a reflection of our own imperfections do not have to hinder us in life. I disagree that we are born without choices. We have free will. We can choose to allow our broken selves to.die. Or we can choose to mend our imperfections.
This is an uncommonly useful and insightful piece.
I remind people frequently that art is never just about beauty, but about human experience.
A print of Guernica hung over my father’s bed when I was very young. At twenty, I stood before the real one, at MOMA, and coincidentally began a wonderful affair with a fellow viewer. We shared a great deal over the work, and I would go a bit farther than to say that it is anti-war. I think it’s anti cruelty, anti suffering, and more. Things which we in America are experiencing even in the absence of war.
Thank you, Sera! Yours is a beautiful, generous — & totally relatable post! We don’t know each other, but I feel “seen” in similar Life experiences. Indeed, Life, in all of its nuances, variables…is Good ☯️. And I don’t say this lightly, callously.
When this essay was written the world was different. Yes there were wars somewhere, but now, a month later I dread to think what unspeakable horrors may yet be unleashed.
Thank you. This stirred me with both its beauty and its perception. In an often ugly world, we really need and profit from profound insights like the posts you share. Please don't stop.
The murals made my heart sing! Then there was violence and death and poverty and pain. Whew. Then there was kintsugi - went straight to Leonard Cohen's "Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack, a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." And then the lilies brought me back up... Art making my heart race and scratching the itch in my brain. Thanks, James, for this moment of getting out of my head to enjoy the experience.
WHOA!😳. I have see many of these works of art but still am astonished at your interpretation and insight. I have restart and taught art interpretation but this really allows us to learn more in historical context and purpose. Thanks.
When my 44 yr old son, James, was dying, I felt particularly impressed one morning to purchase a sketchbook and drawing pencils before I visited him in the hospital. I was inspired to draw his face and his hands. I sketched quietly at his side and he opened his eyes and looked at me, “I’m drawing you, son,” I said. He seemed to approve. He never liked his picture to be taken. He died the next morning. I have the sacred sketches. The moment I could not bear was transformed into peace and love as I drew his beautiful profile and large, gentle hands. I had never seen him look so handsome. Thank you, James, my son, and James, the author of this beautiful piece which I shall share, first with my children and grandchildren and then other dear friends. We must seek after and uphold beauty.
I’m really touched by what you shared. Thank you for trusting me and this community with something so personal and meaningful. May those sketches continue to hold peace, love, and his presence for you and your family. Sending you a big hug, Patricia.
James, thank you for this beautiful, full-of-depth-&-possibilities sharing here, re. Life & Art. Your post is rich — and look at the comments it has prompted! Gifts, all ‘round! 🎉☯️💝
I've told the story elsewhere of the days immediately following the 9/11 attacks. Washington DC was pretty much still shut down but as a State Department officer I volunteered to spend a shift at the FEMA Operations Center as the Department's representative. I went into the city a bit early and spent at least an hour touring the Impressionists collection at the National Gallery before reporting for my shift. It was a great boost at a time when it was needed.
Thank you James. Your posts always bring me so much joy and this one was excellent in doing just that.
I don't think one single piece of art I've seen has changed my life but I know the internet has because I can go around the world and see whatever art I want to and more, in a single day and also be somewhere like this and other artists communities I belong to and see all that amazing art too.
Outstanding article...I really feel this one came from the heart and I appreciate the depth of feeling and the alchemy of beauty and art which you describe so well. You really have a gift here. I too had the same feeling in front of the Pièta. Utter transcendence. And Kevin Lee's piece was a gut-punch. I'd love to see his work in person...will research that. The lifting of imperfection in Kinsugi and the gift of waterlilies rounded out the honoring of these great artists. Thank you for your deeply satisfying perceptive writing.
Re kintsugi, we should think of the body’s capacity to repair itself as we grow older in the same way.
Whilst we were born without choice, we can choose how we develop though time.
Kintsugi is profoundly philosophical & aesthetic, simultaneously.
I agree. When I wrote that we were born without choice, I meant that we didn’t choose to be conceived, let alone born.
Kintsugi shows us a reflection of our own imperfections do not have to hinder us in life. I disagree that we are born without choices. We have free will. We can choose to allow our broken selves to.die. Or we can choose to mend our imperfections.
This is an uncommonly useful and insightful piece.
I remind people frequently that art is never just about beauty, but about human experience.
A print of Guernica hung over my father’s bed when I was very young. At twenty, I stood before the real one, at MOMA, and coincidentally began a wonderful affair with a fellow viewer. We shared a great deal over the work, and I would go a bit farther than to say that it is anti-war. I think it’s anti cruelty, anti suffering, and more. Things which we in America are experiencing even in the absence of war.
Thank you, Sera! Yours is a beautiful, generous — & totally relatable post! We don’t know each other, but I feel “seen” in similar Life experiences. Indeed, Life, in all of its nuances, variables…is Good ☯️. And I don’t say this lightly, callously.
When this essay was written the world was different. Yes there were wars somewhere, but now, a month later I dread to think what unspeakable horrors may yet be unleashed.
Loving all of this thank you
Thank you. This stirred me with both its beauty and its perception. In an often ugly world, we really need and profit from profound insights like the posts you share. Please don't stop.
Wow, thank you so much Maureen!
The murals made my heart sing! Then there was violence and death and poverty and pain. Whew. Then there was kintsugi - went straight to Leonard Cohen's "Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack, a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." And then the lilies brought me back up... Art making my heart race and scratching the itch in my brain. Thanks, James, for this moment of getting out of my head to enjoy the experience.
Thank you for sharing this Debórah!
WHOA!😳. I have see many of these works of art but still am astonished at your interpretation and insight. I have restart and taught art interpretation but this really allows us to learn more in historical context and purpose. Thanks.
Thank you so much Diane!
Thank you. This is so lovely and special. In an ugly world you bring us beauty and the urge to survive.
Thank you! This restores my weary soul.
Beautiful, amazing post. Thank you.
Simply beautiful! Thank you for making my day! And many other’s day too I am sure!
When my 44 yr old son, James, was dying, I felt particularly impressed one morning to purchase a sketchbook and drawing pencils before I visited him in the hospital. I was inspired to draw his face and his hands. I sketched quietly at his side and he opened his eyes and looked at me, “I’m drawing you, son,” I said. He seemed to approve. He never liked his picture to be taken. He died the next morning. I have the sacred sketches. The moment I could not bear was transformed into peace and love as I drew his beautiful profile and large, gentle hands. I had never seen him look so handsome. Thank you, James, my son, and James, the author of this beautiful piece which I shall share, first with my children and grandchildren and then other dear friends. We must seek after and uphold beauty.
I’m really touched by what you shared. Thank you for trusting me and this community with something so personal and meaningful. May those sketches continue to hold peace, love, and his presence for you and your family. Sending you a big hug, Patricia.
It was a vulnerable, intimate sharing for me but I have been deeply touched by the beautiful things you have shared, James. Blessings.
James, thank you for this beautiful, full-of-depth-&-possibilities sharing here, re. Life & Art. Your post is rich — and look at the comments it has prompted! Gifts, all ‘round! 🎉☯️💝
I've told the story elsewhere of the days immediately following the 9/11 attacks. Washington DC was pretty much still shut down but as a State Department officer I volunteered to spend a shift at the FEMA Operations Center as the Department's representative. I went into the city a bit early and spent at least an hour touring the Impressionists collection at the National Gallery before reporting for my shift. It was a great boost at a time when it was needed.
Thank you James. Your posts always bring me so much joy and this one was excellent in doing just that.
I don't think one single piece of art I've seen has changed my life but I know the internet has because I can go around the world and see whatever art I want to and more, in a single day and also be somewhere like this and other artists communities I belong to and see all that amazing art too.
Outstanding article...I really feel this one came from the heart and I appreciate the depth of feeling and the alchemy of beauty and art which you describe so well. You really have a gift here. I too had the same feeling in front of the Pièta. Utter transcendence. And Kevin Lee's piece was a gut-punch. I'd love to see his work in person...will research that. The lifting of imperfection in Kinsugi and the gift of waterlilies rounded out the honoring of these great artists. Thank you for your deeply satisfying perceptive writing.
Thank you for your kindness and support Margaret!
Sun coming up. Coffee in hand. A quiet house. It read the way good things do when there’s room for them. I appreciate the honesty in it.
Love this, I really appreciate it Charles.