Art- Use Regularly For Relief

While searching for ideas for painting storms and turbulent skies I came across a storm scene by Turner that I had seen before but totally forgotten about.  Painted in 1842, this piece looks more modern than Romantic. The composition of it intrigues me because the darkest values would at first seem like the main players, at least until I look at the lightest section.  It's just right of center as though pointing out that there is light even when things look darkest- and if we just focus on that light instead of the swirling darkness around us, we will eventually come out into it.    

Snow Storm; Steam Boat off of a Harbour's Mouth, Turner

It correlated with a poem I have on my desk.  Our oldest son is working on his master's degree in Social Work and filling a position with the state Children Youth and Families Division as well.  When things are at their most difficult, he has learned to write poetry to give himself some emotional release. He says that self-expression within the strict limits poetic forms dictate helps him find relief. Recently, he wrote the following after a particularly trying case:

The storm rages:

       wind howling;

       thunder shaking the world;

       lightning pierces the darkness.

A figure approaches:

       leaning into the gale;

       taking one step at a time;

       the traveler perseveres.

Elsewhere others endure:

       surviving hopelessness;

       sorrow surrounding them;

       despair oversees their plight.

A shelter comes into view:

       radiating security;

       promising rest;

       comfort waits within.

The traveler seeks sanctuary:

       chest heaving;

       limbs trembling;

       the tempest rages without.

Yet others await rescue:

       breath slowing;

       shivers easing;

       the traveler steps into the night.

Being able to tap into the artistry within himself, I suspect he will be able to handle what life throws at him.  He has never been a visually oriented person, but his newly discovered need of words is an art form of its own.  It's an important lesson for me, too.  Creativity keeps me balanced and is essential in my life. And this week I am going to need that.  

Thanks for stopping by! Alice