How to Interpret Art
Like all humans, I constantly seek to make meaning of my world. I create stories and construct meaning to make life richer, more explicable and feel safer. My paintings, too, tell stories. Instead of words, they use visual metaphors - signs, symbols, colours and shapes that signify meaning.
I get that looking at art, like listening to complex poetry or unfamiliar music, can feel confounding. We doubt our ability to understand or interpret it. Perhaps we feel inadequate to the task, fearing we lack the right knowledge or language.
I write to tell you that you already have everything you need to interpret art… right now… just as you are!
Last year, I had the privilege of facilitating a contemplative process with a group, most of whom I had not previously met. It involved sitting in silent, receptive reflection with an image, in this case, one of my desert paintings. Our task was to simply notice… things both external and internal to ourselves, and to be curious. For about 15 minutes, we were still, while paying close attention to what we observed and what happened or came up in our thoughts, feelings and bodies, moment-by-moment.
At the end of this process, each person spoke of how creating time and space to contemplate the painting had enhanced their insight into themselves, others and the world. By slowing down to notice and allow the painting to prompt sensations, memories and emotions, they had overcome their feelings of uncertainty and inadequacy and were able to relate deeply to the work. An intimacy developed, and their perception became attuned to the painting’s subtleties in mark, colour and form.
None of these people had specialist training in the visual arts, yet their lives were changed by this event. One man declared that he had just learned how to appreciate art. His excitement was palpable!
I share this story with you to reassure you. If you ever doubt your ability to respond to art, by slowing down to notice what you feel, think and experience in the presence of an artwork, you will access the implicit significance that artwork evokes in you. By nurturing openness, awareness and curiosity, you pay respect to your inner knowing, and you also honour the artwork and artist who created it.
As well as this, I wish to invite you to my forthcoming exhibition, On Sacred Ground at Braemar Gallery in Springwood in the Blue Mountains. The works to be exhibited include the plein air paintings I made in the MacDonnell Ranges last April and large studio oils of the desert and Blue Mountains’ skies. You can take a sneak peek and get further information on my website. The opening drinks are on Saturday 14 June, from 2 – 4 pm.
Another event you may be interested in attending is the Artist Talk and Painting Demo on Sunday 29 June, from 1 – 3 pm. No RSVP is required for the opening event, but please book your free ticket for the Artist Talk and Painting Demo here as places are limited.
Feel free to email or call me for more information about the exhibition and events. I’d love to see you and your family there.
Finally, only a few places are still available in the last plein air painting retreat I am offering this year in Blackheath in the Blue Mountains. Jump in with a deposit now if you are keen. It promises to be a wonderful time of painting, yoga, bushwalking and meditation in a sublime location. Check out the details here.
