Childlike Wonder - Artists' Eyes

When you visit with friends that have young children there will,  without a, doubt be a refrigerator with drawings on it.  The latest artwork in colorful crayon, or just pencil and pen will be displayed proudly for all that enter.  That modern food cooler, what my grandmother called the “ice box”, is essential to the home, and I believe that’s why the child’s art is posted there. Everyone will need food from the ice box, and as a result everyone will see the art.  The art is the appetizer to the wonders lying therein.

The line drawings and stick figures bear only a minute resemblance to the real world, yet they describe the exploration and understanding of the young eyes.  The pieces show what is important to the little ones. This usually includes family and pets, maybe some trees and flowers and a big golden sun. Unfortunately somewhere along our aging progress there is for most of us a dwindling and eventually a complete loss of depicting our environment. We have outgrown coloring books and drawing is pushed aside in favor of electronics and TV shows.

Christina Body bringing life to a sailboat

There are a few that continue on nurturing their skills with pen and ink, oil paints and water colors. Some of the best artists have been in town to compete in the Solomons Plein Air Festival. The artists in this competition are among the best anywhere, and were selected from among a much larger group of interested participants.  The week has rapidly come to an end and artists must submit only two entries to be judged. The paintings have been submitted, and awards determined and handed out.  While this is a competition, to me the real story lies in the artists themselves.

Stewart White brings us street life, and the beauty we see - and miss - everyday

Everyone I’ve had the pleasure of meeting this week, whether for the first time this year or returning from last year, are wonderful to be around.  They’re friendly and don’t mind chatting for a few minutes while they work.  They’re very willing to talk about their paintings, their techniques and equipment.  In some respects, they themselves refused to stop looking at the world as a child might. I can think of no higher compliment than to be childlike in this respect.  I had the pleasure of having lunch with several artists today and as we were leaving one of them looked back over the marina and said “Look, just look there at all the masts and lines!”  He was taken by a sight that is so common, yet still a marvel.  Likewise while walking along the river the cry was “wow, look at how the light is grabbing the water right there.” Can’t you picture your three year old asking, “why is the water so sparkly there?” or “mom, did you see this flower?”  I wonder what life might be like if we from time to time stopped to view life through childlike eyes – artists eyes.

Beth Bathe's take on a marina with a old wooden shack.

Far too often our busy lives lead to running from one event to another.  We grab a quick breakfast and run off to work. From there it’s shuttling kids around to games, or studying for your masters, getting together with friends for a beer. There are doctors’ appointments, shopping, cleaning and all the other mundane things in life that just need to get done.  It seems we often believe that being busy is being successful.  Our artistic friends help us to slow down.

Devin Roberts with a soft touch to a porch.

The artist shows us a scene we look at every day and yet fail to truly see. Here in Solomons Island, as you might imagine, there is a lot of focus on the waterways and boats. Those of us that live in or nearby drive through or stop in some the restaurants and notice the surroundings, but the artist depict these same sights in a way that causes you to see the beauty that is right in front of us.  Their use of color, light and darkness bring a common sight like a sailboat to life in a way that most of us simply do not notice.  The same can be said for a home with colorful flowers or a simply lit doorway in the evening.  It’s a really remarkable gift they provide.

Richard Sneary brings life to the boat yard

There are a variety of styles exhibited. Some very subtle and calming, while others are big and bold with bright paint and passionate brush strokes.  You don’t have to know or understand art in any trained manner to simply look at and take in what you see.  The art has the power to make you feel differently as you gaze upon it.  It can cheer you up or ask you to reflect on what has been.  Even a dilapidated shack can bring emotion with it.  That same shack that you may have seen in person has been revealed in a new way.

Batbra Clark has a bold, bright style - perfect for the little church

The artist's way of viewing the world has some transfer to photography as well. I’ve learned so much about composing a picture by simply watching how the artist selects his or her view point and how much or little of a scene is put to print. Listen to how a judge critiques a piece and you’ll learn more.  “Why did you center the tree in this piece? It detracts from the focal point which is the house beyond.”  By the way, the artist can move or eliminate distraction of the real world.  So, in other words, just because the tree was in the center of your view, doesn’t mean it has to be in the center of your painting.  While I suppose this could translate to photoshopping out unwanted items in a digital image, that’s a bit more work than I’m normally willing to take on in my photography. Yet, the instruction is invaluable. 

Robert Simone showing us an old car and the Solomons Gazebo

One more aspect of this group of folks is that they, as a rule, are so easy going.  They develop a deep camaraderie as many see each other from festival to festival over the season and years.  Some are like brothers and sisters, maybe like sons and mothers as well.  They seem to be a dynamic family that cheers for each other when an extraordinary piece has been created.  One for all and all for one. It’s really quite amazing.

Patrick Lee looks down the creek

Wrapping this up, I have been blessed beyond measure to have the honor of photgraphing some of the best artists in the country. I have had great discussions on creativity and the beauty of the world. This traveling band of artists bring out the best in me. For through them I am encouraged to look more closely and deeply into the world. I am inspired to slow down, and perhaps pick up a pencil, crayon, and pastels or paint brush with the mindset of a child exploring the world anew.  Life doesn’t get any better than to share life with friends and look on the beauty just waiting to be discovered

Mick McAndrews with  boats on the Patuxent, Solomons' style with the TJ Johnson bridge.