The Spirit of Art
Saturday 17th May 2025 — a Quaker workshop
We had a wonderful morning at the Quakers. We have been running a series of workshops on ‘The Spirit of….’ Today we had ‘Spirit of Art.’
As is the way of these events, a friend leads us by sharing their story of how they see Art reflecting the Spirit.
They circulated the feature photo, a self-portrait of Rembrandt.
I wouldn’t have noticed the eyes if they hadn’t said. Although the painting is heading towards 400 years old, the eyes are the eyes of today. What I mean is that often I look at a painting and see the past; in this painting, I see, in his eyes, the present.
In small groups, we spoke of pieces of art that connected with us. A friend spoke as to how Zurbaran’s painting of A Cup of Water and a Rose brings inwardly a stillness. I felt moved by what they said, not that I could see what they felt, but I could feel what they felt.
Another friend brought Rembrandt’s painting of Jacob blessing Joseph’s sons. They were touched by the tenderness conveyed.
I also brought a piece of art. I, too, connect with it, as it was created by a friend who sent it to me after a difficult period.
They are my oldest active friend. I have known them since I was 4. I met her on my first day at school. Neither of us cried as our mothers left us, while the rest of the class cried after their mummies. She has become a sister to me. She also knows that a few years ago, I made the penguin a sign of friendship. In my head, I created an Order of Penguins in which those with whom I feel a close friendship belong.
It was a beautiful thing to do to create a piece of art to express love.
What piece of art would you show, and what is the story behind it?
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