A movie that I really liked a lot was Agnieszka Holland's The Secret Garden, based on the famous childrens' book. You have this very grim and dark (though somewhat alluring) old house and the forgotten garden that the girl and the boy discover and turn into its former glory. Meanwhile life comes back to the old house and its aged owner as well. It's a very lovely and simple parable of the way things should be. Things should start to blossom and thrive only with the help of some tender, love and care. I wrote something akin to this, of an inspirational nature, back in the late 90's in connection to an art exhibition I had. It's in the beginning of this blog. I thought of this today when I was feeling such incredible heaviness from the fact that the radio show about my sad social situation aired this morning. I listened to it, went back to bed, and woke up really groggy when it was almost dark outdoors. Talking about one's money and health issues is incredibly heavy. It's also hard to let someone take over and make whatever they want out of the material that matters so much. I suddenly realized that I couldn't imagine a beautiful summer's day with muslin curtains billowing in the breeze... A luscious green garden with tantalizing plants and nooks and lovely garden furniture. I couldn't imagine my secret garden anymore. I resolved that I must try and keep up the hope that next year will be a better one and that the astrologer's are right about "new beginnings". I then started a new playlist called just that: http://view.playlist.com/14348834827, though I haven't managed to find too many interesting songs yet. But I received a donation today and though not a very substantial one, the kindness touched me to tears... I need to believe in the benevolence and empathy of people out there in the world. Here's to a lighter life.
Artwork: "My Secret Garden", mixed media on paper by author, all rights reserved 1997
Vivi-Mari, how perfect! The Secret Garden is a favorite of mine and my children.I often tell them and my students, to search for beauty. It surrounds them,although sometimes it is hidden and needs to be actively unearthed and revealed...but it is there. You reminded me of this and I am so grateful as this year comes to a close.Being able to "see" beauty is a gift that not everyone possesses.Sometimes we simply choose not to see, but it is always there. You disclose your radiance whenever you create, in your words and your images.Wishing you a "lighter" and more beautiful 2009. Thank you (258:love and inspiration)
ReplyDeleteHi Jude! Thank you so much for your comment! It is very true, that beauty is in unexpected places and it takes an artist's eye to reveal it. I perused your website and found your art very tender and perceptive! I wanted to leave a comment on your blog but found no such commodity. Wasn't sure you wanted to be contacted. Anyway, want you to know that I sense a lot of synchronicity in the way we percieve life! Thank you! :-) Vivi-Mari (and wishing you a good start of the new year too!)
ReplyDeleteDear Vivi-Mari,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your response and for looking at my work. I will reset my post options on my blog to accommodate responses. I created the blog as a simple and accessible temporary "portfolio" and then it evolved into a journal of sorts.I do appreciate your comments. I feel we share similar "spiritual" and emotional ideas that are reflected in our work. You,however, are far more eloquent and prolific. My journey, it seems, has just begun. I am intrigued by your symbolism and technique. The imagery is rich and mesmerizing.Vivi-Mari,I look forward to reading your thoughts and seeing your art. You "see" and feel what others cannot.Simply beautiful. Happy New Year. You can also contact me via email:judiharz@aol.com
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Hi! Thanks for your address! It would be a pleasure to share more thoughts with you! I feel that you are very respectful but also perceptive in your evaluation, and it feels like truly meaningful support for me! I sensed you were maybe a beginner but a very talented one it appears! Though you said somewhere that you always had a knack for capturing what you see? You may evolve quite fast technically speaking (and maybe otherwise too, what do I know!) if you have the drive. If not, then it's also as it should be, and you'll do what you do with grace rarely seen and a great sense of multilayered imagery. I too would love to make big images and much enjoyed seeing you in your studio (something I always find very inspiring!). So far, my small work is suited for other purposes so I hope that will take off next year. But I do so wish to move to a more luscious and kind environment, I feel I'd come into my own. So a lot of my post is a bit gloomy at this point :-/. Helps to find support though! Even now I'm thinking to overcome my slugginess and make the collage I've had in mind before my really bad insomnia got to me again. Please also write if you feel like it: vivimaricarpelan@yahoo.co.uk. :-)
ReplyDeleteExcellent post..very touching. I wish you a merry christmas !
ReplyDeleteThanks my friend! I wish you a very good start of the new year!
ReplyDeleteIt really is all about context. ~Jerry
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