Two significant things happened over the weekend.
We finally moved into the winter’s solstice and then back out of it again.
In many respects this is the highlight of the Christmas period for me, the darkest winter days are now behind us and each evening brings just a smidgen of advancing light.
No matter how bad the weather turns it can’t dampened the fact that spring is unavoidably on the way.
The other thing was a conversation about books with a friend. He directed me to a book. Obviously I haven’t read it, never even heard about it before; but it sounds fascinating.
Life and Fate is a 1959 novel by Vasily Grossman. Grossman, a Ukrainian Jew, was a correspondent for the Soviet military paper Krasnaya Zvezda throughout World War II. He spent approximately 1,000 days on the frontlines, roughly three of the four years of the conflict between the Germans and Soviets.
Needless to say, he saw a lot.
I’ve picked up a copy, (thank you local library) and can tell its not going to be an easy read, but I predict it to be one of the highlights of 2015 personally.
Its subject matter is dark but what I’m sensing from my little bit of research is how small acts of human kindness can keep the greatest evils at bay and remind us what it is to be human. Even in the face of huge horror.
What has all this to do with paintings of light heartedness and even lighter subject matter such as children’s toys?
Simple answer; – Everything!
It all informs one’s knowledge of the human condition. To hold the two sides of our nature in balance and to continually reach for what is right and good. A daily task for all of us.
Such has been the gestation for these paintings. And they are all the better for it.
Worthy Christmas presents, even if I do say so myself.
Have a lovely day…and Happy Holidays!
Hi, I'm Jimmy.
On this site, I share how writing and painting can provide meaning and enhance our lives.
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