New Eyes

In these days of despair, I turn to the enchantment offered by art and loving friendships. Here I am on the couch writing these words yet the wall behind me is filled with paintings, a drawing, two constructions and a ceramic piece on the far table I haven’t really looked at for far too long.

In fact, some pieces have faded from my mind’s eye altogether the way furniture becomes unseen. Ironic that our most cherished works of art take a position at our backs. When I enter the room, I head for sofa seldom taking in what adorns the wall.

I can name only three of the six pieces without peeking. The largest is an abstract construction by Laddie John Dill of glass, paint and resin which emits an energy field since it was hung almost forty years ago. To one side is a drawing by Daumier of a windy day in Paris, a woman’s dress billowing and two gentlemen holding on to their hats.

The kinetic drive of these two is answered by a deeply shadowed café where a male figure on a stool is playing the bass and two people are deep in conversation in a back booth. The artist, Werner Nienow, has caught and cast a contemplative mood.

On the other side is a non-figurative collage by a street artist in Venice, Italy which spoke to me and still does in ways without words. Above that is another indoor scene of the Rose Café as it used to look when one could sit with morning coffee at a long table for long stretches. This is a watercolor saturated with color. A male figure in the foreground is either reading or writing and three others fill the back space in isolation.

The ceramic piece is a tall, multicolored sculpture which could serve as a vase but that, I think, would debase it. Now, I’m seeing it again as if for the first time. I'm glad it is indescribable, all the more immersive.

I intend to revisit all my walls which vibrate with photos, masks and woodcarvings along with books and artworks. Thank you, Donald, for these new eyes. Now, will you please leave?