“Art is either plagiarism or revolution.” ~Paul Gauguin

 

Image, left: Mary Cassatt, Maternal Caress (1890-91), dry point. Private collection

 

Who Knows Where the Time Goes?

ARTES, the fine arts magazine, looks back on another busy year. We have grown beyond expectations in 2011. Readership is up exponentially, our writers write and readers read in record numbers. Yet, this is also a time to reflect—yes, on our accomplishments and unfulfilled ambitions—but also as we take a moment to consider what is precious around us, outside the material realm. Art and other objects of beauty appear here on the pages of ARTES magazine and in the world around us as a reminder that, with all the grief and hardship to be found ‘out there,’ our lives must occasionally be nurtured by the sublime and the awesome. Through the discovery of beauty we maintain perspective.

As I write this, my studio is filled with the thoughtful piano arrangements of George Winston’s Winter CD. He masterfully weaves subtle musical strains—like blue winter solstice light, entwined like a cat’s cradle in bare treetop branches—together with delicate chords of holiday carols. I can clearly see myself as a child now, standing in the backyard, all bundled and triple-wrapped in scarves, arms akimbo and tongue extended, feeling the snow fall on my face. I would also catch a few tumbling flakes on the back of my gloved hand for closer inspection, amazed at their complexity.

Finding balance in a chaotic world means sometimes being able to close your eyes, while putting your ambitions on hold for a few minutes, as you tilt you face sky-ward, letting your own favorite music and memories wash over you. Our mantra this year, as it should be every day of every year, is thankfulness for good health and family, good health and family—good health and family.

Let us know what you think on our FaceBook and Twitter pages.

Happy Holidays and a joyous New Year from the staff at ARTESmangazine.com

Richard Friswell, Publisher & Managing Editor