Appreciating Shadows
A spot of black, a darkly shadowed fringe lurking at the edge, an irregular recess in the luminous folds, these are the unsung marks that take a visual image from good to stunning. The hint of the unknown amidst the plainly visible lures in the viewer and burns its image on the retina. Artists refer to this as tonality- and when it is missing, the image feels flat. But when the artist deftly adds the deepest of shadows in the most carefully considered manner, the image comes to life- no matter how fantastical.
One afternoon while dropping inky pools of black into the edges, I considered that life is not much different. Life without shadow would become bland, and dare I venture to assume, under-appreciated. Like pigment on the page, it comes to life through balance. Do not confuse balance with equality. Think back to younger years and the rhythmic exchange of the seesaw. The “teeter totter” did not require two equally weighted children. With a gentle push two mismatched participants could see-saw with abandon. But take one away and gravity wins.
Such heavy lessons to find in the quiet rumination of painterly endeavors. But heavy lessons are valuable even in the comfort of our happiness. How often have I lost my sense of wonderment and gratitude in the flat planes of comfort? Just recently I found myself complaining about the shifting seasons- the dark mornings, the cloud filled sky, the breezes touched with the hint of chill. I wondered what would propel me out of bed in the cold dark mornings of winter and what would inspire my brushstrokes. And as I sought to place the darkest shadows on my page, I realized that art was teaching me to appreciate everything in balance. I need the change of seasons to appreciate the beauty in each one. And I need the failures as much as I need the small victories.
