Born Into Color— At West End Gallery
Oliver rose next morning, in better heart, and went about his usual occupations, with more hope and pleasure than he had known for many days. The birds were once more hung out, to sing, in their old places; and the sweetest wild flowers that could be found, were once more gathered to gladden Rose with their beauty. The melancholy which had seemed to the sad eyes of the anxious boy to hang, for days past, over every object, beautiful as all were, was dispelled by magic. The dew seemed to sparkle more brightly on the green leaves; the air to rustle among them with a sweeter music; and the sky itself to look more blue and bright. Such is the influence which the condition of our own thoughts, exercise, even over the appearance of external objects. Men who look on nature, and their fellow-men, and cry that all is dark and gloomy, are in the right; but the sombre colours are reflections from their own jaundiced eyes and hearts. The real hues are delicate, and need a clearer vision.
–Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist (1838)
Very short on time this morning but wanted to share the above lines from Oliver Twist to accompany this painting. It’s a great reminder that our own attitude affects how we perceive this world. Not everyone notices the variety and depth of colors or the graceful lines and forms that are around us every day. These unfortunates miss perhaps the greatest gift of this world, its inherent beauty, and live in a world that lacks subtlety and room for imagination and thought.
When I think about it, I feel so fortunate to know and be moved by color and beauty.
There’s a lot more that could be said but that’s all I will say today. Like I said, much to do and I am working with a battery that runs short on power too quickly lately so I must go. hang around if you like and listen to this song, Colours, from Donovan in 1965.
Just don’t touch anything or bother my cats. You’ve been warned…