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That wonderful clarity of expression...
Thursday, January 17th, 2008 07:22 pm.
I'm spending some time with a valued friend and mentor, Sister Wendy Beckett. On Monday I picked up the DVD's of Sister Wendy's American Collection, and am now happily roaming the halls of six of America's great museums, in the company of this graceful, unassuming, deeply educated woman, who delights in the creativity of humanity. Her economy of words and richness of ideas are such a boon, and help me see art always in a fresher, more encompassing and meditative way. It's hard not to be captivated by her enthusiasm and fall into it with her, because she's right - art is a supreme way of escaping the individual minutiae of our lives and entering the larger realm of community with everyone who has ever lived.
See? I'm even talking like her.
Sister Wendy's American Collection - Netflix link, where you can see a trailer for the series
She should be required viewing for anyone who loves art, but especially for people who want to love it, but don't know how. She's accessible, charming, and surprisingly frank at times. (You could have knocked me over with a feather when I saw her talk about the "lovely fluffy pubic hair" in a nude painting - not something you'd expect to hear from a contemplative nun, that.) She speaks about her involvement with the pictures, how they influence her thinking, and about the process of getting to know a piece and slowly uncovering its secrets. She's not a critic, she's a lover of art, and that's what sets her apart from so many, and makes her such a joy to watch.
Check out her shows. You won't regret it.
I'm spending some time with a valued friend and mentor, Sister Wendy Beckett. On Monday I picked up the DVD's of Sister Wendy's American Collection, and am now happily roaming the halls of six of America's great museums, in the company of this graceful, unassuming, deeply educated woman, who delights in the creativity of humanity. Her economy of words and richness of ideas are such a boon, and help me see art always in a fresher, more encompassing and meditative way. It's hard not to be captivated by her enthusiasm and fall into it with her, because she's right - art is a supreme way of escaping the individual minutiae of our lives and entering the larger realm of community with everyone who has ever lived.
See? I'm even talking like her.
Sister Wendy's American Collection - Netflix link, where you can see a trailer for the series
She should be required viewing for anyone who loves art, but especially for people who want to love it, but don't know how. She's accessible, charming, and surprisingly frank at times. (You could have knocked me over with a feather when I saw her talk about the "lovely fluffy pubic hair" in a nude painting - not something you'd expect to hear from a contemplative nun, that.) She speaks about her involvement with the pictures, how they influence her thinking, and about the process of getting to know a piece and slowly uncovering its secrets. She's not a critic, she's a lover of art, and that's what sets her apart from so many, and makes her such a joy to watch.
Check out her shows. You won't regret it.
