A contemporary painting caught my eye. Given the age, portfolio, and quality of the artist, I am sure he has a following of sorts. As an Asian artist, it is always challenging to be noticed outside the region. In this case, I am hopeful that others will notice the details and the emotions that come through in his paintings.
The detail that caught my eye was the brush strokes that he used. It is hard to know what words I should use to describe what I saw and experienced. Even now, as I reflect, remember, and pause, I find myself in my imagination, standing in silence, looking in awe and wonder. It is more that the choice of colors, although they are bold and striking. While the artist choices are important, there is more to this painting than meets the eye.
I realize it is the artist’s subtle touches that make the difference between the mundane and what I am considering today. I do not know if this particular painting touches others to the same degree as it does me. For me, the decisions of canvas, paint, and subject matter combined with the brush strokes, passion, and conviction form a magical combination that touches my heart and soul. If I had to pick any one element, it is the experience that comes from within as I embrace each brush stroke. Everything starts with the artist’s creative action.
Life reminds me that my trust grows when the story is told through choices and decisions put into action. Rhetoric is cheap, the currency of clever individuals looking to give life to their agendas. The currency of the soul is best revealed in the arena, where battles that matter wage between good and evil, community and self. This picture reveals beauty and truth. It is a reflection of the larger story, often retold as “God stands tall and makes things right, he saves all the wretched on earth.” (Psalm 76.9)
I did not wander into the gallery thinking anything would touch my soul. It did and it does.
