Having three small children myself I often wonder what the role of Art, specifically painting is, in terms of family life. Does it add any real value?
Of course I’m going to say an emphatic yes, since I’m already pre-sold on the notion, but does my thought process stand up to investigation?
Our early ancestors daubed outlines of battles and hunting victories on the rough walls of their cave dwellings. There is any number of theories as to why they did this.
Some experts suggest that the images were portrayed before the actual events themselves as a way of predetermining the desired outcome, but I think other motivations were at play.
It was a way of making manifest a shared sense of ownership and belonging. To reconcile that they were in this struggle with life and death together and that these images were a way of helping them recognise that fact.
Life is not as harsh now, arguably, but there is still that very human desire to belong and each group of people have touchstones or family heirlooms that keep them in connection with each other. A painting, particularly an original piece can play this role remarkably well for a family.
There is the story of how the painting was bought, why the purchase was made and where the piece hung all those years before finally it was passed down to the next generation. Then there are all the things in between that the work bore silent witness to that can even now be easily recalled by even a passing glance in its direction.
That’s how those few valuable pieces play a role in family life for me. They can’t and won’t be sold because it would feel like selling something of our shared sense of togetherness.
But there are others to be sold that can and will fill that role for other families, perhaps even your family? Now that is definitely worth taking the time to look and consider. In case you’re still wondering, here’s the link.
Enjoy.
Hi, I'm Jimmy.
On this site, I share how writing and painting can provide meaning and enhance our lives.
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