I
well remember a Van Gogh exhibit that I attended back in college, and in
particular, his painting entitled, "Pair of Shoes"(1886.) Van Gogh's work often expressed sentiments that he felt about his
subjects, and in this depiction of a workman's well-worn,
seasoned boots conveyed a moving portrait of their owner. Transcending a
simple arrangement of inanimate objects, this painting communicated much
more--a sense of family, belonging, humility, character, and perseverance—human
qualities.
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| "Pair of Old Shoes" Vincent van Gogh |
I
recalled “Old Shoes” again today when a talented artist friend (Kate) asked me
to critique some of her newest work. It happened to be a series featuring
shoes—all types, from work to casual to dancing, and each painting spoke
volumes about the people who wore them.
Kate
wondered whether she had become a little obsessive about her theme, and
that got me to thinking about the role of theme in art. As a writer, I aim to weave it into a piece in
such a way that the characters or subjects, the setting, storyline, events,
direct the readers to interpret a theme for themselves. Similarly, art presents the same
challenge; accomplished through composition, lighting, color, brushwork, etc.,
and it’s always gratifying when, without the benefit of words, a particular
painting successfully conveys my intent visually.
I have
always been inspired to paint still life and make it anything but still. In the
same way that a poet crafts his work with precision, incorporating metaphors
that make you think, associate and subsequently be moved in some way, and like
Van Gogh and my artist friend, I especially enjoy giving simple objects human
qualities; creating something of beauty that people will respond to
emotionally, visually, intellectually.
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