Art as Balm
Hello Dear Ones,
This week has been a hard one. I had to say goodbye, somewhat unexpectedly, to my dear sweet Mavis Lee.
For the past year, I have found deep comfort in the rhythm of writing my weekly posts for OUT OF THE BOX. But this week I have been unable to put words together. Unable to search for meaning. So I ask, if I may be so bold: would you do me the kindness of pasting a link to one of your favorite pieces of art in the comments, so that I might seek solace or joy or awe or sweetness in something that matters to you? (I can only imagine that there are plenty of other people reading this who will also benefit from this kindness.) It can be a painting, a sculpture, a movie, a song, a symphony, a poem, an installation—it doesn’t matter. Please share anything that has offered you meaning or provided a balm for you in your life.
In times like these, I am deeply grateful for this community. I will be back next week with a regular post, but I needed to give my heart some time to rest. Thank you for your abiding care and understanding. I’ll look forward to whatever you have to share.1
In the spirit of reciprocity, my offering to you is a recommendation for one of the most heartfelt, sweetly human films I’ve seen in a long time, which has quickly become one of my favorites. I think you might love it:
Dear friend, I'm going to give a shout out to this amazing artist/human:
https://jenniferrabin.com/
She is an amazing artist and human. She fiercely loves folks who could be considered the underdog at times including artists, deaf dogs and such. She has an exquisite eye that somehow zogs the soul of what she is observing... and then can speak it back in exquisite words so that others can understand. She is a brilliant writer.
Beyond all of that, she is also her self a bad ass artist. Sometimes darkly humorous, sometimes gorgeously raw, etc. Again those observation skills being used with clarity and depth.
The world is lucky to have her.
So sorry for your loss Jenifer.
I really love "Language Lesson" for so many reasons.
For a charming escapist fairytail-like hour and a half…and a bit predictable and corny....“This Beautiful Fantastic” is a good balm.
https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Fantastic-Jessica-Brown-Findlay/dp/B06WVW16WY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=10FX0EB3GAM4B&keywords=This+Beautiful+Fantastic&qid=1664901966&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjQyIiwicXNhIjoiMS40NyIsInFzcCI6IjAuOTgifQ%3D%3D&s=instant-video&sprefix=this+beautiful+fantastic%2Cinstant-video%2C644&sr=1-1