"The years teach us much, which the days never knew." ― Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Have you ever sat down to play with children on the beach? In those moments, a beautiful interplay of youth and wisdom unfolds, encapsulating the words of renowned American essayist, poet, and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson: "The years teach us much, which the days never knew." Play, particularly when it bridges the generational divide, offers a unique opportunity for learning and growth. As the waves crash against the shore and the sun dances on the sand, a profound connection between generations is illuminated, revealing the transformative power of time and experience.
In exploring art, I am captivated by the myths and the transfer of knowledge. It is about what endures and fades away and how experience is passed down from generation to generation. Learning and understanding evolve even before language and meaning can take shape. Within each interaction, laughter and shared moments bring a profound depth that surpasses superficial appearances. Younger generations learn from the linguistic nuances and storytelling abilities of older generations. Children's uninhibited creativity inspires older generations to think outside the box, fostering resilience and adaptability. Intergenerational play provides opportunities to navigate challenges and solve problems while adding depth and richness to imaginative play scenarios.
Paintings hold a unique ability to preserve and transfer knowledge. In contrast to the rapid and fleeting nature of the film, paintings can capture intimate moments and emotions in a way that lasts beyond the passing of time. Virginia Woolf refers to these moments as “moments of being,” defined as “the essence of personality...the moments in which we live more fully, feel more deeply and fully inhabit ourselves.” Depicting a sense of depth and emotion transcending time is a challenge I tried to tackle. While a picture is frozen in time, viewers can reflect on their experiences and connect with the emotions captured in the painting at any time or space, making it more of a universal experience and less of a specific moment.
Color, texture, and composition evoke nostalgia and longing for a bygone era. Paintings can serve as a powerful reminder of our mortality and the need to cherish the moments that make life meaningful.
Through the passage of years, adults gain patience and understanding, enabling them to embrace the boundless joy of their young companions wholeheartedly. As they engage in play, they artfully interweave the teachings gleaned from their life experiences, imparting values, insights, and uncomplicated truths that can only emerge from a lifetime of accumulated wisdom. Yet, within the depths of play and creativity, we also yearn for the innocence of youth. Children are not burdened by the weight of fully comprehending the fleeting nature of life. Their curiosity, wonder, and innocence become gifts to pour back into adults as they engage in play.
Emerson's words echo as a reminder to cherish precious moments. I find solace in understanding that life is a constant journey of growth and learning. On a shore touched by the whispers of time, we come to comprehend the profound truth in Emerson's words. The years teach us what the days cannot. They teach us that love grows exponentially in a way we cannot fathom.
The sandcastle is one of my newest paintings, where I attempted to make a specific moment in time generate a more timeless feeling. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback. Please check it out with other new works on my website this month, and let me know your favorite!
"All water has a perfect memory and is forever trying to get back to where it was."
- Toni Morrison
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