Attend an art exhibit…

This was one our “assignments” in our photography journey with Kat Eye Studio.

My first thought was “oh, a nice trip to Boston to visit the MFA or the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum”.  But after an extensive on line search I was reminded about all of the artistic displays and events here in Metro West Boston.  My husband and I visited the Decordova Musem and sculpture park located in a neighboring town.  Fortunately for us, it was a sunny, mild day and a treat to spend time wandering around outdoors in the fresh air.

There was an outdoor interactive display of what my husband referred to as musical pipes and I referred to as a standing xylophone.  There was no way to resist picking up a stick and running it along the pipes to make music.  I observed two elderly gentlemen stopping to play, and one of them complimented the other telling him “that was very nice”.  You couldn’t resist and it made you happy.

Bubbles floating through the air caught my eye.  I went to find the source of the bubbles, and called my husband to come see.  There was a man with a rope attached to two sticks.  He dipped the rope into a bucket of liquid and made the greatest bubbles.  Grownups and children alike had their arms stretched out in delight, trying to catch them.  Again, something else that you can’t resist and it makes you smile.

I was excited to photograph the bubbles and really wondered what they would look like captured in a photo.

Our favorite outdoor sculpture had to be the Two Black Hearts.  I don’t think it would have been nearly as appealing if there was only one heart.  My last name is Hart, my husband proposed to me on Valentine’s Day and gave me a heart shaped engagement ring … and so I am partial to hearts. ♥♥       

As a piece of art work, I appreciate the fact that the artist chose to create two hearts.  The texture of the hearts and all of the objects embedded in the surface give your mind and eyes a lot to look at and absorb.  And the size of the hearts provided impact.

The next sculpture appealed to me because of its colors and surface texture.  I looked at it for a while and then exclaimed “it’s a pinecone perched under the trees!”  When I looked at the photograph later, I thought it looked like many breasts, but I like my perception of a pinecone more.

The sculpture/exhibit which least appealed to me was an actual bed encased in a glass structure.  It did nothing to resonate within me.  But, for some reason, I really like the way the photograph turned out!

I was disappointed with what we found inside.  The rooms were small and choppy, and some of the hallways abruptly ended and you had to turn back.  The only large room didn’t feel large and open.  I saw one oil painting, and my reaction to it was “oh finally a painting.”  In retrospect I know that I react to what my preconceived ideas of what art is.  I once had a VERY lively discussion with friends about “What is Art”.  It was one of my favorite conversations. Many points of view were expressed but no one answer was agreed upon.  The perception of art is so individualized.

In reviewing the photographs I took at the museum, it confirmed my previous post declaring what I like and am drawn to.  I am drawn to shiny and reflective objects, textures both smooth and rough, color opposites and the enjoyment of editing a photo.

Attend an art exhibit... you won't regret it.