Redtree Times

The Heart is Free— Coming to West End Gallery

Stone walls do not a prison make,
Nor iron bars a cage;
Minds innocent and quiet take
That for an hermitage;
If I have freedom in my love
And in my soul am free,
Angels alone, that soar above,
Enjoy such liberty.

― Richard Lovelace, To Althea, from Prison, 1641

Some folks that freely walk around are as imprisoned by their behaviors and beliefs as anyone behind the stone walls of any prison. As the 17th century poet Richard Lovelace pointed out nearly four hundred years ago, freedom is a state of mind.

For the most part, we often make our own prisons and do our own time. And conversely, we have the ability to define and make our freedom in any situation.

I was struggling to title this new painting that is headed to the West End Gallery for my annual solo exhibit in October. I saw it as representing the type of solitude that I enjoy, one that is not hindered by imposed restrictions or apartness.

The freedom of the heart and the mind.

But I also realized that my perception is not shared by a majority of folks. Most people don’t relish extended periods of time alone.  They need the sound and engagement of others and look outward, avoiding reflection and introspection.

I am not criticizing here, just noting the difference. As with everything, to each their own.

As I said, I wasn’t sure about expressing the type of solitude I saw in it in its title. Then I came across the lines from Lovelace in a prior blog entry from a few years back. It seemed to speak directly of what I was seeing in this painting.

The freedom of the heart and the mind cannot be caged or restricted. It is an island and world unto itself.

Hence, the title The Heart is Free came to be. 

I can only speak for myself, but for me it fits.

The Heart is Free is 14″ by 14″ on canvas and is included in Guiding Light, my 24th annual solo show at the West End Gallery that opens Friday, October 17.