Thankful Thursdays

 

I am thankful for… Expression!

For my birthday my darling husband arranged many lovely surprises, one being to go to  Queensland Gallery of Modern Art to view the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Arts (APT8). The present collection emphasizes the “use of human form to express cultural, social and political ideas, and the central role of artists”. Some of the collection is eye-opening, some funny, some peculiar and some downright heartbreaking especially the pieces on the Cambodian genocide. It is in these heartbreaking interpretations that you see individual stories unfold. Art can be what ever you want it to be; it can tell a story, create an emotion, a feeling, a connection; all while taking the observer on a journey.

When I was little I spent many hours drawing! Most of the time it was cartoons! It was the time when animations were a big deal and Disney movies were really popular! I remember I was my happiest when I would draw! This early love prompted a massive interest in art and especially art history which would also develop into photography. Much of my teenage years were spent at the Queensland Art Gallery and my first work experience job was as a Gallery Assistant at my local council. Back then my dream was to be an Art Curator. Why? Because I loved getting lost in ‘the story’! Of course money (the evil) drew me away to an administrative career which I would eventually feel trapped in because I let my passion fall to the wayside but the ‘art of expression’ has always been at the crux of my heart. You can ask my closest friends and they will all tell you that I tune out if you hand me a sheet of numbers but give it to me visually and you’ll have me listening more intently!

I think personally that visual expression will always draw people in because we feel connected! And I love that even with the most awful subject matter, such as the Cambodian genocide, something of beauty can still be created through the art of visual storytelling and interpretation!

What forms of expression do you love dear Naked? And while you contemplate and share, take a moment to make a mental note (or comment below if you so wish) on what you are thankful for today!