Art is different things to different people…read more
Sometimes it can serve as a medical bandage used to cover the corroded walls of a dilapidated area. An area that has been forgotten, abandoned or severely impacted by poverty in such a way that it becomes invisible to society. I wish this weren't so, however, sometimes the purity of art can bring new hope. It can have the same effect as a band-aide covering the scars of life with beauty. If it stays in place long enough, it might heal wounds as it regenerates through the process of waking up old cells and attracting new ones. A revitalization.
Other times art can be a statement piece, such as an amazing necklace, a killer hat, or gorgeous chandelier. Items that takes something ordinary and changes it to extraordinary, adding just that little something-something that forces the human eye to stop and talk a closer look. That je ne sais quoi that draws you in and you don't truly know why.
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"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." ~ Degas
As for me, art is an escape.
+ Scenic art (such as a French countryside) can transport me from where I stand in reality, to someplace I've dreamed of being in fantasy.
+ Abstract art can launch me into deeper thought where I begin to contemplate the complexities of my own humanity. For example: Why am I sensitive and caring in some areas and unyielding in others, particularly with things that are similar in nature?
+ Sculpted art causes my eye to celebrate the beauty of shape and dimension.
+ Architectural art, such as cathedrals, bridges and ancient coliseums often leave me in awe from their mastery of patience, planning and precision. Reminding me that if I want my life to count, it can't be rushed.
However, to me street art is precious because of its raw emotion. You can practically see the heart of the artist beating from within the paint. I swear, sometimes when a piece truly captures me, I can almost see the painting breath! A great piece will also cause me to want to learn more about the artist and to learn more about other works they have created.
One such artist is Chiara Saldivar Gueyraud. Originally from Venezuela, she moved to Miami in 2000 and at some point to Tallahassee. She taught herself to paint murals after falling in love with street art in Miami. Now, along with her husband Daniel O'Connor McCluskey, she fully intends to make Tallahassee a premier city for street art. Another artist that has peaked my interest is David Zayas, a Puerto Rican muralist doing incredible work: http://www.wbur.org/artery/2017/07/31/lynn-murals
In my world, these are the unsung heroes dedicating every fiber of their being to the betterment of humanity. Men and women that create imaginings that make my soul want to dance in the rain.
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"If I could say it in words there would be no reason to paint." ~ Edward Hopper
FINAL THOUGHT
Although a Tallahassee visitor for only a few days, I saw a great deal in my short stay. Still, I barely scratched the surface of the art hidden in plain sight all around the city. I created this yelp page in hopes that the residents of the city will pridefully ADD more street art to the gallery so that I (and others across the country) can enjoy the beauty of local artistry right from our own homes! What a gift to have a city embrace and promote creative public displays of expression. I hope Chiara Saldivar McCluskey gets her wish to transforms the city into a massive work of art... street art!
Curious? Meet Chiara Saldivar McCluskey: http://www.bigbendcares.org/meet-an-artopian-chiara-saldivar/
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