Redtree Times

Monde Parfait— At West End Gallery

Even imperfection itself may have its ideal or perfect state.

–Thomas De Quincey, De Quincey’s Writings: Miscellaneous Essays, 1851

I’ve always contended that perfection is an unnatural state of being except in the case of nature. And even nature is never quite perfect as it is forever undergoing continuous adjustments to find its state of equilibrium.

That balancing of imperfections is in its own way a form of perfection, which might well affirm the statement above from Thomas De Quincey, the English essayist best known for his Confessions of an Opium-Eater.

As it is with most things I encounter, I equated his words with creating art. I never hesitate in pointing out that I do not seek perfection in my work– probably because I know it is beyond my meager talents, discipline, and patience.

You will not find perfect lines or forms in my work nor will the surface ever be glass smooth. You might find paintbrush bristles, cat hair or my hair or thumbprints in the paint. I once came across a tiny spider who found its final resting place in one finished piece. You will never suspect that it has been created by an algorithm or artificial intelligence of any sort.

It is meant to show the hand of the artist, to show the adjustments and efforts that are made to create equilibrium and bring it to my desired end for it which is a sense of rightness.

My ideal state of imperfection.

I guess in my own small way I am trying to replicate the way of the nature, trying to find an ideal state of being while dealing with unending imperfection.

I probably have said all this before on this blog. And someone else has said it in some other place before that, maybe a hundred or a thousand years ago. Or last week. Who knows? This not knowing and repetition are parts of my imperfection.

Just felt like saying what came to mind. Another part of my imperfection.

Actually, I just wanted to share the painting at the top that is now at the West End Gallery. It is titled Monde Parfait, which translates as Perfect World. The title reflects pretty much what I’ve been saying here which is probably why this piece remains a favorite of mine.

I was going to play a song called Perfect Day. There are several but none really capture what I was looking for. So, here’s a song with perfect in the title that better captures what I am trying to say. It’s Perfect Day from Lou Reed, another favorite that has played here before. It’s not about the world being perfect or even the day. More about finding that sense of rightness and satisfaction in the moment or place– or painting.

Something I am about to do…