Thursday Thoughts...

“If you could say it in words, there’d be no reason to paint.” 

 Edward Hopper

In contrast to my post about being a woman of words, I find this quote beautiful in its truth and simplicity.

Even when I am working with words, there is so much more going on in the conversation my work is having with the viewer, observer, or reader.

I have often heard that a piece has moved somebody - beyond words; that they are left speechless; that tears are their only response. So whilst I am a lover of words and it is via words that I make my way through the world, I think art goes beyond words, and how it makes us feel and respond is priceless.

And for those of us who make visual imagery and art; I think the truth does lie this way - if words could depict those feelings and sensations, utterly and completely, then there would be no need to paint. But they can't, and so we make.

This piece - Time to Change - moved many, and yes I sat with folk in tears when it was exhibited.  I hope given the times we live in that artists find ways to express their sadness, their fear, and their hope in beautiful and meaningful ways, because sometimes words just can't.