A Thought on Reflections

Reflections: the theme for BAC Winter 2023 exhibition

As an intuitive artist, drawn to the joy of line, texture and colour, and interested in the way art reflects our inner experiences, this theme was going to be a challenge for me!

Conceptually, 'reflection' can be considered both literally and figuratively. In our literal, physical world, we think of mirrors, pools of still water, glass.

However, 'reflection' also speaks of contemplation, musings, deliberation (I'm starting to sound like a thesaurus! 😁). It is a super-power, essential to human existence.

I ventured into a fascinating journey, exploring notions of reflection. I came across many writings in which physical examples of reflection become analogies for deep contemplation. I read poetry, Googled metaphors, even read some Shakespeare (!!!) to create these five ideas about reflection.

Each one is an exploration, perhaps a questioning. I don't claim to have any answers but I did enjoy thinking about what it can mean for us to be reflective.

Mirage of Memories

Louis L'amour reminds us that, 'Today is all we have; tomorrow is a mirage that may never become reality.'

Just as the mirrored reflection is a poor shadow of our reality, (I think I'm destroying a Shakespearean concept here!), our musings are but a perception of the truth.

This floating mirage of memories can overpower us if we cannot accept that they are but internal reflections of the past, coloured by our own perceptions and experiences, and not necessarily 'truths' that need to influence us in the present.

A Spirited Ocean Yields no Reflection 

This piece came about as I explored the idea that  being in deep reflection constantly is not wise! This piece encourages us to live like the ocean.

In the deep, dark depths there is nothing to illuminate existence. In the still of a calm day, the mirrored surface yields clarity.

But when the ocean is at her most spirited, when she splashes and dances, there is no space to reflect the skies above. She lives in the moment.

There is a time for calm, clear reflection, a time for deep musings, but being alive in the present is vital. Go deep into the heart but do not forsake the day.

Reflect or Be Doomed

Winston Churchill said, “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” If we are unable, or unwilling, to reflect upon our past, storms of disaster await us. No matter how dark, damaged or desolated our history has been, reflecting gives us the opportunity to process, to make meaning, to learn and to grow.

This piece includes imagery that references environmental disaster - encouraging us to reflect on the historical treatment of our lands, and take action.

Reflections Vast and Infinite

In this piece, I questioned the practice of distancing ourselves from our thoughts to get a more balanced view.

In creating a 'view from above', I wondered whether the plane flying at 20 000 feet is reflected in the grand lakes below?

Are our reflections enriched by taking a perspective as seen from above, or at least far away from the minor details? Or is the power of reflection lost to distance, leaving us to look down upon fragmented memory?

I don't have the answer. But I think that's the point!

Reflections from a Garden Vista

This last one was actually the jumping off point for my investigation into reflection. I wondered how we could capture the elusive moment when, as we stare into a window, deep in contemplation, we suddenly catch a glimpse of our reflection. 

It is in that moment, that inner and outer reflection collide. We are seeing through, seeing within and seeing behind. This work attempts to convey the juxtaposition of past, present and future in the literal and figurative moment of reflecting.

Phew!!!

If you're still here - thank you!

That was a long-winded, and rather philosophical explanation of this series. I do enjoy playing with concepts, thinking them through, and seeing how they fit together.

Thank you for taking the time to read my musings. Feel free to leave a comment. 💙

Kath