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On Beauty

About 10 years ago during our routine Saturday phone call, my father asked me an amazing question, “Why does seeing something beautiful make a person cry?” 

I was honored that he asked me such a powerful question and I’ve been thinking about it ever since.

In my lifetime, I've seen some beautiful things that have made me cry.

When I was 17-years-old and an exchange student in Spain, I walked down a dark corridor inside a church, turned a corner, and saw a huge painting (10 by 16 feet), El Greco’s “The Burial of the Count of Orgaz.”

That was 1972, but I vividly remember the colors in it: the metallic gold, the reds, and the grays and how the elongated faces and figures dripped emotion. I remember the awe I felt in seeing that the artist had painted a sheer white gown over a black velvet robe (lower right).

I stood quite close to it for as long as the guide would allow.


For many, the natural world evokes wonderment. About 25 years ago, on a trip to rural Canada, I saw the Milky Way in the night sky. I saw the depth of space. This was the first time I fully understood why ancient peoples considered unusual celestial events, like comets, to be momentous. I saw more than stars in that sky.

"When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty 
of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the creator." Mahatma Gandhi


For a long time I’ve considered symmetry to be the mark of beauty. I guess I’m talking about design perfection. In the garden, I see so much symmetry; it’s in the plants, in the birds, and in the bugs.

My sister, Kit, and I were wowed last year when we visited the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. I keep thinking about experiencing Henri Rousseau’s "Sleeping Gypsy." It took my breath away.


I’m ready to begin another torn paper collage. And while I don’t profess to be able to generate awe with my work, I can learn more about beautiful things by studying them closely and recreating them in my own way.

My dad is gone almost a year now, but the impact he had on my life continues.

"Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old."
Franz Kafka
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Comments

robyn Burckhardt said…
great post, Holly. Takes me back to teaching art history- wish you were in my class!
December 9, 2011 at 8:18 AM
Holly Cusumano said…
robyn, you are in a class by yourself.
December 9, 2011 at 8:53 AM
Anonymous said…
Holly - You are a gifted artist AND writer. Thanks for sharing your gifts with us! Anne
December 9, 2011 at 10:23 AM
Emma said…
I enjoyed this post...and it's a great question!
December 11, 2011 at 10:16 PM
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