Betwixt and Between— At Principle Gallery
The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.
― Eden Phillpotts, A Shadow Passes (1919)
Running very late today. Overslept for a change. But I wanted to share the quote above from British author/poet/dramatist Eden Phillpotts who lived a life, 1862 to 1960, that spanned a time period marked by huge changes in society, culture, and technology.
It was an amazing time period to be alive. But, as Dickens wrote in regard to a different era, it was both the best and worst of times. It was a time that saw huge advancements in science and medicine that brought relief to many who suffered. It was beginning of the Industrial Revolution with the huge technological shifts that advances brought such as the rise of the automobile, the airplane, radio, television along with the beginnings of space exploration and computerization. I am not always sure if the rise of the computer should go in the best or worst category. For this discussion, we will put it in the best.
But there were also two World Wars and multiple civil wars. Holocausts and ethnic cleansings. The rise of fascism and Nazism. The nuclear bomb was developed.
I am just spit-balling here off the top of my head and not even going into the cultural and societal shifts that occurred during that period. In short, it was an amazing time period.
But in that time period did our intelligence expand along with the knowledge that spawned such great change? Did our wits sharpen in any way to make us sense those magical things that surround us?
I can’t say. I doubt it. There is certainly little evidence of it taking place. Maybe that is why the bests and worsts of that era and our own run to the extremes. Maybe our wits are not yet developed enough to fully utilize the changes we have experienced as well as the magic that always surrounds us.
Hmm. That’s a lot to think about for a guy who just rolled out of bed and hasn’t even combed his hair or washed his face. Maybe I won’t even bother today. Maybe I will just focus on sharpening those wits. Mine have been dulled down lately and do need a touch up.
The painting at the top, Betwixt and Between, very much relates to the words of Phillpotts and the song below from Dave Brubeck. It is Sixth Sense from his 1964 album, Jazz Impressions of New York.
Redtree Times 
I enjoyed this piece. Maybe you should write more often when just rolling out of bed. What a long life Eden Phillpotts had and as you mentioned also a time of good and bad. Guess that can be said for multiple times in history. Even now, sadly. And yet he wrote the words you added during the Spanish Flu Pandemic (or great Influenza epidemic). So here’s to focusing on some good things that come to light during hard times … and just think it was followed by the stock market crash and another world war but also jazz, swing and rock and roll. And you art.
Yes, every age sees both the best and worst in us. I think it is those harder times that spur people on to create and give voice to those deeper emotions those times bring. And in turn, others who feel those same emotions seek out some sort of camaraderie and find it in that work. Some of the most powerful and enduring art, music, film, etc. has come as reaction to and reflection of the times in which they were created.
I agree!