"Artists are like the bards of old, they sing a song of their district".
Rosalie Gascoigne
I thought about this one a bit as I flicked through the possible quotes to choose from for today. At first I thought to myself, I'm not sure that applies to me. Not in the literal sense.
I don't paint the Glasshouse Mountains, I don't photograph or draw dairy cows, I don't feature hills and valleys in my work very often...so how can I sing a song of my district?
But then I thought, I do actually, for our home is a sanctuary of sorts with the peacefulness of the valley below, the gentle quiet of the dawn, the softness of those misty days... These are all ways that I work.
My work is based in, and on, this place and what it offers - not so much the physical geography of it, but the sense of place, of calm and quiet and peace. I'm not sure of I lived in a city or a war-zone that my work would reflect as much peace and quiet - perhaps as an antidote to the rush and busyness; perhaps as a response to, an effort to manage or deal with things.
Instead here, the peacefulness and quiet energy is the well-spring for my work. The words for my own song perhaps.
This photo was taken by our friend Steve on his first visit here - he loved the misty moods and the cloud-lake in the valley...
Rosalie Gascoigne
I thought about this one a bit as I flicked through the possible quotes to choose from for today. At first I thought to myself, I'm not sure that applies to me. Not in the literal sense.
I don't paint the Glasshouse Mountains, I don't photograph or draw dairy cows, I don't feature hills and valleys in my work very often...so how can I sing a song of my district?
But then I thought, I do actually, for our home is a sanctuary of sorts with the peacefulness of the valley below, the gentle quiet of the dawn, the softness of those misty days... These are all ways that I work.
My work is based in, and on, this place and what it offers - not so much the physical geography of it, but the sense of place, of calm and quiet and peace. I'm not sure of I lived in a city or a war-zone that my work would reflect as much peace and quiet - perhaps as an antidote to the rush and busyness; perhaps as a response to, an effort to manage or deal with things.
Instead here, the peacefulness and quiet energy is the well-spring for my work. The words for my own song perhaps.
This photo was taken by our friend Steve on his first visit here - he loved the misty moods and the cloud-lake in the valley...
magic photo - great inspiration X
ReplyDeleteThanks N - I am lucky to get a daily dose!
Deletenow that's a quote that thoroughly resonates.... to sing a song of your district?... mmmm mmmm mmmm yes!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it just so right Ronnie?
DeleteI had to read your caption of the photo numerous times before my eyes accepted that it was seeing misty clouds in the valley with tips of mountains showing and not majestic stones rising above the mist on water. My! What a heavenly place you live in. And yes, your work reflects that...especially the heavenly part.
ReplyDeleteAhhh yes J - this sight and variations of it greet us often. I love the puddles of clouds that seem to pool in the valley at times too - this is more like a soft carpet of cloud. It is so peaceful and gentle - and quiet - I do love it so. And then it starts to lift and drifts upwards and across and if you open the windows at the front and the back, the clouds dance right thru your house!
DeleteIndeed, your work resonates with the peacefulness and calm of your surroundings. Seeing such beauty every day has to have some effect on what and how you create.
ReplyDeleteThanks Robyn, I think the place does affect me and my work - I know I feel any angst drop away as we drive up the mountain and arrive home.
DeleteI like that quote - that an artist's work "...sings a song of their district" - and I think, just as you say, it might be literal, as in my forest paintings, or more about how the place might support the artist's psychic space - as in your case. I am so influenced by place and it sounds as though you are, too. I can't imagine living in a hustle and bustle place anymore, but, when I did, I STILL made paintings about stillness and mystery, because I needed it even more and hung them around the apartment to create that somehow.
ReplyDeleteAnd such a wonderful image of your mountain veiw.
I''m interested that in the hustle and bustle your work was still still and quiet Valerianna; I think mine might need to be to, but more as an antidote than a well-spring. And yes, your place is so much a part of your work isn't it -you can hardly separate them geographically or sense-wise.
DeleteIt was such a pleasure to receive your beautiful print Fiona.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gina! It has been a delight all round for me!
DeleteSinging your district - what a lovely idea. And your work really sings of the peacefulness of your beautiful district. Your garden, your studio, your mountain are such a part of you and Barry...
ReplyDeleteIt is a lovely thought isn't it Carol? It feels so right for so many of us and somehow holds true with lots of variations. Go well.
ReplyDelete