At first glance, this drawing of Warwick Castle, 1752, by Canaletto (pen and brown ink, with gray wash) looks ordinary enough. On exploration, though, using the zoom feature, its quality begins to become apparent. Peace descends, one's muscles relax. That is, for me, one of the main signs of art, of beauty -- the physical effect on the body. (It is one of the main things I look for in choosing works for this site.)
Now I begin to understand why the photos of Ilia Dnebosky, including some of drug addicts, were posted by you on April 26. I can't say that I felt peace when I saw the photos of drug addicts, but those photos had a profound physical effect on me. Having experienced addictions from which I have been in recovery for 19 years, I can say that the primary goal in my addictive processes was the feeling of peace that descended when my muscles finally relaxed. There is a song I heard in the last few days, "Mercy Now, " written and sung by Mary Gauthier who is a recovering alcoholic and drug addict. When I heard that song, I felt the "peace which passes all understanding." Thank you again for your site. I can see why I am drawn to it. I want to feel, not just think.
Posted by: Amanda M | May 22, 2006 at 11:41 AM
And thank you for your many-facted comment, Amanda. I'll tell Ilya about your reaction, and I know he'll be pleased.
Posted by: Ciara | May 25, 2006 at 12:15 AM