Reflections

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  1. Robin Ann
    Robin Ann
    9 months ago

    I am an appreciator of Art. I grew up with music (thanks to my Mother). I played clarinet in the HS and was in the band and I also learned to play the classical guitar. Now, I have a huge appreciation for music. I love being creative with making arts and crafts also and seek out events at the local libraries. I did pottery when I was in elementary school and hope to do more when I retire.

  2. Dolores Kazanjian
    Dolores Kazanjian
    9 months ago

    I think it is “art” that makes life worth living. I love it all – music, painting, drawing, photography, writing., and I appreciate all expressions of creativity, which, as I mentioned in my previous post, a form of art as well.
    My very favorite is music, making it and listening to it. Unfortunately, health issues have kept me from singing with my beloved church choir, This is probably my biggest loss.
    It is a shame IMO that our education system from elementary to university puts so little importance oh the arts.

    1. Anna
      Anna
      9 months ago

      Dolores, I’m sorry you can’t sing in your beloved church choir. I sing in a church choir too, so I know how you feel, because I love it and can only imagine how sad I would be without it.

  3. Pilgrim
    Pilgrim
    9 months ago

    I usually place seasonal pictures and items on the 3 mantles I have in my condo, some other seasonal artwork on the wall here and there, and a seasonal wreath at the front door. It is a fairly small condo, but it’s fun to change it up seasonally. I have never been a “creator” of visual art. Music was/is my forte, oboist in various orchestras until our last family move.

  4. pkr29022
    pkr
    9 months ago

    I am both an appreciator & a creator. Art is everywhere, you just have to look for it. Be open, be receptive, be thankful. ✨
    Happy Friday All…..😊

  5. Charlie T
    Charlie T
    9 months ago

    Definitely as an appreciator. I see art
    everywhere. In nature, in architecture,
    In music, in film, and on and on.
    I love seeing and hearing what people
    produce and I have great respect for
    people who are brave enough to choose
    making art their vocation.
    I am far too pragmatic to ever take that
    leap. Not to mention, my lack of artistic
    talent/vision.
    Now, having said that, I am getting more
    comfortable expressing myself and I do
    enjoy making things and I’m getting better at expressing my imagination. In fact, I recently
    bought some paints and brushes. I haven’t
    had time to break them out and give it
    a try, but I am excited to get started.

    1. Pilgrim
      Pilgrim
      9 months ago

      Enjoy the adventure, Charlie T!

  6. Ose
    Ose
    9 months ago

    Singing is a place of art in my life. Recently, my teacher in natural singing had the idea to do a concert at my place (in a private room with space and good acoustic conditions) together with kindred friends for other dear kindred friends, which to our all joy soon will take place at my place now. Her creative, natural approach to singing inspired my way of singing and i hope to be able to take lessons on a regular basis again. One day, as adults, my sister and i were sitting in a bar, and it happened that we started singing together, one song of our childhood and youth after another, entertaining the guests at the bar and they did not stop us. We were so astonished that we both still knew even the text of so many songs! My father used to sing with us kids, often before going to sleep, he came and we sung polyphonic. It was pure joy and is one of the most precious memories of my childhood. Love painting and drawing a lot also, once inspired and supported by my teacher in arts at school and until today, it does, as well it inspires photos which seem to give joy to friends and vice versa, when sharing through them the beauty of our world.

    1. Dolores Kazanjian
      Dolores Kazanjian
      9 months ago

      What beautiful share, Cristina. The event you have coming up sounds wonderful.
      I, too, find singing to be my greatest joy in life. I also loved to sing with my sister, who has passed now, although never in public. Mostly the folk songs of the sixties. She accompanied us on the guitar. Sisters’ voices tend to blend well. I still miss her and I think about her when I sing the pieces we did togetherl

  7. Barb C
    Barb C
    9 months ago

    Art adds beauty to my home in various forms: A couple of original paintings, some small items, framed puzzles of artwork that my husband and I worked on together and liked enough to hang on the walls. Each piece carries a memory of how it came into my life.
    Art adds to my enjoyment when I travel. I try to find local art galleries to visit as part of what I think of as “poking around the downtown.” I get to go to DC every so often for work and always, always get to some of the beautiful museums there.
    Art brings me enjoyment when I sit on our back deck painting small rocks with tiny flowers, abstract patterns, and words or sayings. I leave them in the big park I walk through or by a bus stop for others to find and brighten their day. I don’t have tons of talent but I like looking at a finished piece and thinking, “I made that! It looks pretty good.” (And if it doesn’t, I always have more paint.)
    Art brings me a form of meditation when I do Zentangle drawings. This is a specific method of repetitive small patterns with a bit of shadow added. Doing something very simple over and over can yield amazing complexity by the end.

    1. S
      Ana Maria
      9 months ago

      Thank you Barbara C! I learned something new today! Zentangle drawins! I had to look it up! I have seen them come across as I am learning to do simple water color drawings. I have purchase good quality pen, now I know how to use them. I thank you!!

    2. Barb C
      Barb C
      9 months ago

      One more thought: Art also brings me inspiration for my baking when my husband and I binge on the Great British Baking Show and see the amazing, intricate decorations made of food. When our kitchen remodel is done I’ll have room for some of those molds and frosting tips and other tools to try my hand at some of that edible art form.

  8. Carol Ann Conner
    Carol
    9 months ago

    I appreciate all the arts. Love visiting art museums. I love the theatre and was very active in community theatre when I was younger. Music has been a big part of my life as both a listener and a performer. These days I write essays, short stories and poetry as many of my other pursuits are limited do to age and health issues.

  9. A
    ActiveD5
    9 months ago

    This one is easy for me. I have zero artistic talent…but I do appreciate others talent especially in music and live performances!

    1. Dolores Kazanjian
      Dolores Kazanjian
      9 months ago

      Not true Everyone has some creative skill. It might not be painting or singing or dancing. It may be cooking a special meal, getting a car back in working order, furnishing a home. creatively dressing. We need to open up the definition of “arts.”

  10. Yram
    Yram
    9 months ago

    I am both. My husband is a nature photographer and at one point a medical photographer. Our home has many of his creations displayed. All forms of art draw me to appreciate the different views. I like to look up a topic and then find different interpretations.
    I enjoy doing art with food, yarn, paper and water paints.
    It is a calming activity be it creating or observing.

  11. Michele
    Michele
    9 months ago

    Nature is full of art.
    I appreciate art in its many forms – art, dance, literature, food
    As a creator, not so much for me – I enjoy seasonally decorating my home.

  12. Antoinette88615
    Antoinette
    9 months ago

    I’m grateful for both and that I get to read your comments. Still at the hospital…

    1. Robin Ann
      Robin Ann
      9 months ago

      Oh no, feel better soon Dear Antoinette

    2. pkr29022
      pkr
      9 months ago

      Sending you love & hugs dear Antoinette. Praying for You…🙏🏻❤️🤗

    3. Charlie T
      Charlie T
      9 months ago

      So sorry to hear you are still
      suffering. Sending healing vibes.
      A migraine brought me to the hospital
      once. I think they gave me Tramadol.
      It definitely helped me.

    4. Barb C
      Barb C
      9 months ago

      My migraines never get as bad as yours and I’m feeling for you. I hope today brings you some relief.

    5. Carol Ann Conner
      Carol
      9 months ago

      Sending loving energy your way.

    6. Avril
      Avril
      9 months ago

      Continued recovery

    7. Michele
      Michele
      9 months ago

      Wishing you a speedy recovery.

    8. Yram
      Yram
      9 months ago

      I hope relief comes fully and soon.

  13. Patti
    sunnypatti
    9 months ago

    I am both. I appreciate the works of others. I’m blessed to have beautiful paintings around me every day. My bistro is filled with local art, and we have some nice work in our home. I enjoy going to see art… live music, plays, exhibits. The art I make comes thru in my surfing, yoga practice, and the cheese boards I get to make for customers. I have to make a big one today, and I plan to make it so beautiful that the customer cheers in delight when she picks it up 🙂

    1. Yram
      Yram
      9 months ago

      What a great goal. Keep up the great work. Food displays are a work of art.

      1. Avril
        Avril
        9 months ago

        I love charcuterie

  14. J
    John
    9 months ago

    When I was a kid, I did paint by number, copied comic strips, and drew my own. As a teen, I had mandibular surgery, and was home bound for about 3 weeks, and I rekindled those instincts. But, college, post graduate work, and WORK for the most part stifled them.
    On a vacation with my wife and one of my kids, we stayed in a small town in the middle of Nowhere, New Mexico. With time on my hands, in between hiking, day trips and the like, I picked up the pencils again, and haven’t stopped for the last three years: faces, animals, ghost towns, and old photographs are my models, and I now go to a quite place (usually a library) 3 or more times a week to draw.

    1. Yram
      Yram
      9 months ago

      The library is a great place to focus. When we were to retire a friend brought up the idea and a play on words to re—tire. That is what you did. Congrats.

  15. Avril
    Avril
    9 months ago

    I was raised by artists. My grandfather was a UN photographer, and my mother was a ballet dancer turned interior designer. My sister is a professional photographer and make-up artist. My daughter is about to begin school for vocal performance. I do ecstatic dance as one of my adjunctive spiritual practices. I also teach yoga; good teaching is an art form. Like EJP, my home is curated. I love sharing art, which is an art form in and of itself. I can’t imagine a life without art at the center.

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