As I stood in the hushed, darkened jewelry room of London’s Victoria and Albert Museum last Wednesday, I noticed a father and daughter standing together with a touching filial closeness, discussing some early Celtic rings. The girl of about 12 was pointing out her favourites to her father, who listened and responded attentively and appreciatively. I felt my heart quicken and swell with the fragile intensity of their intimacy and I experienced a profound yearning for meaningful connection with those I love.
It occurred to me that it was the daughter and father’s shared appreciation of beauty and creativity that gave rise to this precious exchange. Art inextricably connected them, in truth and vulnerability. This is art’s power; to connect people, even across cultures and ages.
Do you remember how as a child you enthusiastically picked up markers and created visual stories, using colour and form to represent your feelings and ideas? You did this as naturally as breathing - it gave you deep satisfaction.
At an instinctual level, you and I are expressive, creative makers and storytellers. We intuitively understand that it is wholly human to make art, to express, embellish and create. Our images, objects and stories are both totally unique to us and paradoxically, common to all humanity.
Just like the father and daughter in my story, art both defines and connects us. It enables us to understand our own selves, others and the world around us and this explains why everyday people keep pouring through the doors of seemingly outmoded museums, like the Victoria and Albert.
Join me day by day as I continue my 'art odyssey' in Europe, I'd love to share it with you. I'm posting pictures and brief comments most days @ www.facebook.com/corinneloxtonartist
What I learned on my desert journey…