Are you distracted by outward cares? Then allow yourself a space of quiet wherein you can add to your knowledge of the Good and learn to curb your restlessness. Nowhere can a man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than in his own soul. Avail yourself often, then, of this retirement, and so continually renew yourself.
–Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
This painting, Placidarium, a 12″ by 12″ canvas, is currently at the Principle Gallery for its annual Small Works show.
The title came from the feeling it gave me as though the scene existed in some sort of terrarium or aquarium, separate and apart from the worries and troubles of the outside world. It’s a piece that has long been a favorite since it has lived with me and it has never failed to elicit that same feeling of placidity for me.
It has a secure and serene stillness that often evades us here in the outside of the placidarium.
Here’s this week’s Sunday Morning Music to go along with this painting and Marcus Aurelius‘ advice. It is the Rhiannon Giddens performance of the Dolly Parton classic first released in 1969, the beautifully written Don’t Let It Trouble Your Mind. It’s a lovely version and I could easily hear this song playing in my own placidarium.
What a great word you created! I grew up with a solarium for my playroom; it functioned as a placidarium as well, now that I think about it.