A Visit to an Exhibition

Jocelyn and I visited the American Impressionist and Realist Exhibition at the Brisbane Art Gallery on 1st July 2009. So much to see and enjoy. The works of Childe Hassam, John Singer Sargeant and many others.
I was glad we went, taking our own time, joining a guide from time to time, returning to view again. We found the presentation of Australian artists, mainly from the Heidelberg School, a valuable contrast especially given the same time period. The conversation noted below in the Crucifixion story provided one significant connection. Sargeant's wedding gift to the young lady in the portrait was a highlight for Jocelyn.

Crucifixion

This crucifix in a church in Colmar (Kolmar) is perhaps the one spoken of by a friend I made at the Brisbane exhibition of the American Impressionist and Realist painters. A conversation began because we were both taking notes ... for the same reason .... memory failure ... hopefully the notes would jog the failing facility. He had been a committed footballer and a Vietnam vet, but could not talk about Vietnam. I asked him how art had impacted on his life and what it meant to him in addressing Vietnam. "Hard to say" he said but he then spoke of many visits to European galleries and his enjoyment of investigating information about the artists. Art had become a form of healing for him. Then he spoke of THE highlight for him. "Go to Basle then catch a train to Colmar." There you will see the most amazing picture ( I did not pick up whether it was painting or crucifix) True suffering, even the cross beam was bent. More than just physical suffering.
He doesn't attend church now .. too many questions relating to suffering and evil in mankind. I encouraged him to remember this picture / image. For in Christ's suffering is the clue to all other suffering and all loss.

Sustainability into 2020

I have hesitated to do this entry - Father supporting son however James has ventured on a Journey less travelled but one which all of us individually and corporately should be commencing. I will review and edit this story as new things emerge.
The first invitation is to visit his webpage www.jswanston.wordpress.com/ where he has spelt out some of that vision for sustainability as well as an introduction to other interests he has.
Then visit www.carbonvoyage.com/ . Here an invitation to consider a new way of travel in London. This does not exclude the experience of the double-deck London bus. However getting from A to B in a carbon friendly way and with a prospect of a cheaper fare will I am sure be to your liking.