Welcome to the Art edition of Makes-Me-Smile Monday. My favorite work of art is … Western Europe. No, really. There’s not much that bugs me more than people who complain non-constructively about the United States, but honesty compels me to say that if it’s culture, art or history you’re looking for, you’d be wise to visit the Old Country.
When I was 19 I got on a plane for the second time in my life (the first
was when I was just a week old; I don’t remember much of that trip), and flew from Utah to Frankfurt, Germany. I admired the rapeseed fields and the old walled towns, clustered on picturesque rivers and centered on charming churches and squares. It was gorgeous, and I was in aspirational-traveler heaven.
I emailed the manic-depressive motivational speaker I had dated a few times at BYU. He was 28 and a graduate film student who’d traveled a lot and lent me his green Michelin guides. Where is all the trash? I wanted to know. Try Eastern Europe, he said. Unfortunately Eastern Europe wasn’t included in my Rail Pass at the time; I’m sure things have changed a lot with the European Union’s eminence. Even back in 1997, I was disappointed to get so few stamps in my passport, as the border controls weren’t like ours.
In Rome, we visited the Pantheon. It was perfect. Noise from outside and other tourists was hushed. It was raining but not completely overcast; I could see the raindrops falling through the opening in the roof and then dissipating before reaching the floor. I’ve never been in another building that felt as soothing to the senses. It was a space in which you might have trouble concentrating on worshiping deity rather than just sitting in awe of human genius.
I hope some art lights your fire. To participate in the carnival, enter your name and (description) and post address so we can read all about it. Or leave it in a comment. If you have any questions, send me an email or a comment.
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One artistic photo I like (and which has been reproduced millions of times) is the Iwo Jima flag raising photo. I like it but am not sure why it’s so popular. I assume it represents the collaborative effort behind patriotism and service. More hands are helping than seem necessary, and everyone seems eager and exuberant to raise the flag.
The photo portrays teamwork and sacrifice — two important concepts that may be one reason for the photo’s popularity. It’s probably not a photo that would inspire people in other cultures if they saw Americans as imperialists. But I like it. The photo also has the classic Z pattern, which gives it eye-intrigue.
I have been trying to decide all day what my favorite piece of art would be, and I decided that if not my favorite, then at least one of my favorites would be Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. It was originally built by the Moors there and it contains beautiful architecture and gardens. The architecture includes columns and arches that are decorated with arabesque and mocarabe designs. The gardens are absolutely amazing with various ponds and fountains. The palace consists of several palaces with many courtyards surrounded by the gardens. It has been about 6 years since I have been there so I can’t remember all of the details of the place, but I would highly recommend it as a place to stop and see if you happen to be in Spain. I would attach some of my pictures from the place if I could, but I can’t do that in a comment and I don’t have my own blog. If I was royalty, this would be the kind of palace that I would want to live in.
I applaud your MMSM, Shannon.
When I come across a work of art that really touches me, the predominant sensation I feel is “gladness.” I remember seeing an asbract work that was simply three wide strips or stripes of scarlet. Now ordinarily I would be the red-necked type to say, “they paid someone good money to draw that?” or “any yahoo could slap paint on a board like that!” But this particular piece caught ones eye with the first two stripes, which were very similar, and the third was distinctly, though subtly different. I found myself marvelling — “wow! I’m GLAD that the artist painted the third stripe that way.” It was strangely intriguing that that was so.
Other paintings that similarly and inexplicably GLADDEN: “Sunlight” by J. Francis Murphy (I’m glad he painted the sun that color) and “Fallen Monarchs” by Wm B. Baker. These can be found in online image galleries.
There are scriptures that say that the Lord created many things to gladden the heart, or others to enlarge the mind. I’m glad.
Thanks to everyone who participated in MMSM. (hope tom and my dad didn’t join in just in hopes of sweetening me up in anticipation of next Monday’s topic).
i added a couple pics to your comments; hope you don’t mind. the “Sunlight” painting is from the MOA at BYU.