We really enjoyed the responses from you all last week regarding what you were cooking, reading and watching. I’ve already picked up some of the books you recommended, and some of your recommended shows/recipes are already in my queue.
This week, I’d love to share my favorite work of visual art and learn about yours. Feel free to reply to this email, or you can join the thread by clicking through and visiting the webpage at www.reclaiminghope.substack.com.
I discovered this painting in the most magical way: unexpectedly while exploring the streets of Naples on our honeymoon. I had never been in Italy before, but I already loved wandering its streets, and the almost certain reward of taking a few minutes to step inside its churches. We were rewarded for that when after a couple turns that led seemingly nowhere I spotted a church and urged Melissa to go inside with me. It was completely dark inside except for natural light through a window. It was empty. I had no idea we had just stepped into the Pio Monte della Misericordia, and I was astounded by what I found there:
Caravaggio’s The Seven Works of Mercy. I had never seen anything like it. I stood in front of it, in awe, for as long as I could. It was the most transcendent experience with art that I had ever had (and would ever have, until my last trip to Italy, which was a more personal encounter).
What about you? What work of visual art really captured your imagination?
I've been giving this a lot of thought and, excluding my own work (not because I'm arrogant about it, but because I tend to literally capture my own imagination in my work), I really like the work of Ray Spears (aka Ray Neutron) and this series especially, specifically the third frame. It really just captures the essence and artistry of black and white photography that captivates me so much and inspires me to keep doing what I do. https://www.instagram.com/p/B5tqsfVBxcC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
LOVE Caravaggio!!! Favorite of all time --The Incredulity of Saint Thomas by Caravaggio. I relate --feel something of his doubt and the kindness of Jesus all at the same time.
Roll Call by Elizabeth Thompson recently after hearing the backstory on Revisionist History, and then Impression, Sunrise by Monet for the misty, cloudy stillness and brightening activity. Finally, Undergrowth with Two Figures is a special one that reminds my husband and me about our honeymoon walking through the woods of Michigan’s upper peninsula.
I was going to say Boulevard des Capucines by Monet because I love all things Monet and that's my favorite of his. But then I remembered Wanderer above the Sea of Fog by Caspar David Friedrich, which has always enraptured me. One of my favorite places to be is above the sea of fog after hiking to a peak.
It's by Fra Filippo Lippi from the 1440s. I think he was more talented than any other artist at that exact time, and I think he paints with a light and ethereal/gauzy gaze. I took a few art classes and this was the first painting that ever took my breath away on a screen, and it was even more spectacular in person. It's at the NGA in DC. His most famous painting is at the Uffizi, but I think this one is even better. It's such an affectionate portrayal of Mary and Jesus.
Caravaggio compels emotion... I think of the Uffizi's Medusa, which touches your soul with the depths of humanity's drama and trauma.
I've been giving this a lot of thought and, excluding my own work (not because I'm arrogant about it, but because I tend to literally capture my own imagination in my work), I really like the work of Ray Spears (aka Ray Neutron) and this series especially, specifically the third frame. It really just captures the essence and artistry of black and white photography that captivates me so much and inspires me to keep doing what I do. https://www.instagram.com/p/B5tqsfVBxcC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
LOVE Caravaggio!!! Favorite of all time --The Incredulity of Saint Thomas by Caravaggio. I relate --feel something of his doubt and the kindness of Jesus all at the same time.
Roll Call by Elizabeth Thompson recently after hearing the backstory on Revisionist History, and then Impression, Sunrise by Monet for the misty, cloudy stillness and brightening activity. Finally, Undergrowth with Two Figures is a special one that reminds my husband and me about our honeymoon walking through the woods of Michigan’s upper peninsula.
First that comes to mind is Chagall’s America Windows
I was going to say Boulevard des Capucines by Monet because I love all things Monet and that's my favorite of his. But then I remembered Wanderer above the Sea of Fog by Caspar David Friedrich, which has always enraptured me. One of my favorite places to be is above the sea of fog after hiking to a peak.
Here's my favorite painting: https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.433.html
It's by Fra Filippo Lippi from the 1440s. I think he was more talented than any other artist at that exact time, and I think he paints with a light and ethereal/gauzy gaze. I took a few art classes and this was the first painting that ever took my breath away on a screen, and it was even more spectacular in person. It's at the NGA in DC. His most famous painting is at the Uffizi, but I think this one is even better. It's such an affectionate portrayal of Mary and Jesus.
--Melissa