Redtree Times

Vincent van Gogh, Irises, 1890

The task is…not so much to see what no one has yet seen; but to think what nobody has yet thought, about that which everybody sees.

― Erwin Schrödinger

I came across this quote from physicist Erwin Schrodinger that deals with dimensional perception. I have to admit to not knowing much about the quantum physics to which he refers with these words but the sentiment behind it could be describing the driving force behind this painting and much of what I attempt to do as an artist. I have maintained for some time that art is not about clever ideas or extraordinary subjects but in changing our perceptions of the ordinary, in trying to reveal those dimensions of the visible world that remain unseen to us.

The example I often cite is of Van Gogh‘s painting of a pitcher filled with irises. It is an painting of an extremely ordinary subject, a vase filled with flowers. A common floral painting that has been the subject of perhaps a million or two painters over the ages. Yet seeing it, especially in person, one feels that unseen animating energy of nature and the force of Van Gogh’s perceptions of it. It vibrates with energy. It is no longer a simple pitcher of irises but has become a conduit to a new and deeper dimension, one that delivers us closer to the essence our being.

It becomes a symbol for the sacred ordinary. 

This is an edited version of a post from about 10 years ago. In the original I used a painting of my own to illustrate but thought it would be better to use the Van Gogh painting referred to in the post. Thought I’d add a little music about perception, as well. Here’s a nice version of Doctor My Eyes from Jackson Browne performed with Playing For Change which brings musicians from around the world together online to perform classic songs.