When an artist succeeds in catching peoples' eyes
Rev. Walter B. Klockers
Jeanne and I visited Wenatchee a few days ago. We make excursions like this at least a couple of times a month to get away by ourselves and have fun.
While in Wenatchee, we decided to go to a couple of art galleries, as well as the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center.
When we entered a certain gallery, I scanned the pieces of art that were displayed on the walls. The room allowed for them be visible all at once. I remember saying to myself, “well, there’s a painting that I think Jeanne would like.”
Sure enough, as we walked around the room, my wife stopped at that particular piece and studied it for some time. I asked her if she liked what she saw. She said yes. It was an abstract work using lighter pastel colors – blues and greens mostly. There was also lot of white. Jeanne interpreted it as a landscape.
The artist had succeeded. The work had captured Jeanne’s eye and imagination. She told me about her interpretation of the piece, what certain shapes, textures, colors and highlights represented for her. She also revealed the emotions that they brought forth.
How was I able to guess the piece that would most likely catch her eye? It is because I know my wife quite well after 34 years of marriage; I know many of the things that she likes and dislikes.
I asked her if what she saw in the painting might change from day to day. She responded with “of course.” The piece of art would not change, but the interpretation could change. As such, the art “has life.”
A few days ago, someone talked to me about the Lord’s Prayer. This person said that last time she spoke those words out loud, it gave her pause. She made a mental note of that certain petition and continued on. It was: “as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
She had always interpreted those words as striving to do something that she lacked. However, this time around, it was different. They brought forth a sense and feeling of accomplishment that she had never quite experienced before.
The Lord’s Prayer did not change, but the interpretation did change for that day.
I get the sense that the artist has succeeded.
Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church and has served as parish pastor for more than 25 years.
Rev. Walter Klockers
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