If I go to an art opening, I expect a show complete with paintings or sculpture, wine, cheese and crackers and other finger foods. I expect the prices to be steep and the people to be dressed up - at least relatively so - while they stand around and schmooze. Some people will know a lot about art while others will just pretend to know a lot. Sometimes I find lovely, inspiring art at an opening or gallery, but often, admittedly, I walk away unimpressed.
One of the things that delights me is stumbling across a piece of art in an unexpected place. This happened to me in Border's once. I used their restroom and as I was washing my hands I noticed a lovely print of a teacup and saucer hanging next to the sink. I stared at it for a while. It was so nicely done - such a small, ordinary object - but the artist had found a way to capture its elegant beauty. From thereon, every time I went to Border's, I went out of my way to use the bathroom so I could look at that picture.
Quite a number of years ago, I bought Jeff Smith's cookbook, The Frugal Gourmet Cooks American. Yes, I know he was accused of inappropriate sexual conduct and is now dead. Still, his book had some great recipes that I've used over and over again. The thing that impressed me most, however, was Christopher Cart's accompanying pencil drawings. They were snapshots of an earlier America and included pictures of barns, rolling fields, the seaside, a rowboat and a stone hearth, to name a few. They were well done and made that cookbook a visual delight for me. Every time I open The Frugal Gourmet Cooks American, I take a few minutes to once again pore over the drawings. It's a small treasure tucked away in my kitchen pantry.
As a librarian, I read a lot of picture books. I was constantly delighted by the vast richness and quality of the illustrations. Most people would never think of looking to picture books for inspiring art; nevertheless it is there. Take, for instance, Chris Van Allsburg's riveting illustrations or those of Marla Frazee, Barbara McClintock, Diane Goode, Tony DeTerlizzi , David Biedrzycki and so many others that I can't possibly list them all here. Some of the best artists in the world are the illustrators of children's books.
Likewise, some of the best music in the world isn't found in a concert hall but on a city street corner or in the subway. While in Paris, I paused to listen to an amazing cellist playing Bach in the Metro. She seemed oblivious to the rush of people around her and played her soulful instrument with heart and concentration. She was impressive.
Some of the best art in the world is free or for only a small fee. Next time when you're out, just keep your eyes and ears open.
