Tuesday, November 17, 2009

L'Éloge du Silence


L'Éloge du Silence 12"x16" oil on canvas © 2009 Shayla Perreault Newcomb.

Perhaps you've had the luxury of going for a walk with a friend in companionable silence. All you hear is your feet crunching across the snow. Maybe you throw a stick for the dog. No talking. It isn't needed. You look up at the tree line, immersed in your own world, your own thoughts, safe and loved. How does it feel? This painting is about that feeling and in English means 'in praise of silence.'

After uploading the photo to my computer, I saw a little grain of sand stuck between the stretcher and the canvas on the lower right corner. I went to the exhibit, took the painting down and gave it a good shake, but it's going to take quite a bit of coaxing to dislodge it, and I was getting dirty looks. I'll take another photo when the exhibit's down. In the meantime, it's good to know that 'vigorous hands on' isn't viewed as a proper way to treat public art ;)

14 comments:

ArtPropelled said...

Sighhhhh....In praise of silence .... perfect title for this breathtaking painting. I can almost hear my feet crunching in the snow.

mansuetude said...

i think it is when we are in snow that silence radiates most; and between trusted hearts its always safe to allow the silence... just being. Its so wonderfully true.

lovely work.

Patrice said...

Oooo... lots of "empty" space... that's my kinda art!!

I love, love, love this piece. It truly has the quality of hush...

Leslie Avon Miller said...

Breathing room. I feel at peace looking into the world you have created here.

Unknown said...

I would love to experience winter and snow..but not happening this year :(

When I am at home with the noisy 3 kids..husband and I long for quietness...and when they are not here, I miss their noises...

:)

Tracy said...

'in praise of silence.' I love that... oh, how I love that. To dwell in silence on one's own or with a loved one truly is something special. In this modern life where there is so much sounds and noise, silence is a precious gift. I love your painting...it truly captures that magic of silence in winter. Funny about that grain of sand... ;o) Happy Day, Shayla ((HUGS))

Shayla said...

Robyn, you got me curious so I did a little searching about your climate. How surprised and pleased I am to find KwaZulu-Natal gets snow.

mansuetude, how nicely put. You have the soul of a poet.

Patrice, thanks. "Hush"- I like that.

Leslie, thanks for your comments. You have a peaceful voice. I love your blog, btw, and have just gone from being an occasional visitor, to an addict. Will see you again.

M.Kate- that's a beautiful thought. I'm an introvert, so I do love silence, but not a mom. How interesting. Being a mom does change the way we perceive 'noise.'

Tracy, good point. We do get bombarded with noise in modern life, especially from technology. Thanks for your thoughtful comments.

Shayla said...

Oops! M. Kate- I meant to write "I'm not a mom". I do love moms :D

picciolo said...

hehe, I'm picturing you shaking the picture! I love the focal point in the middle distance of the three shapes, they really draw the eye in and it does have a wonderful sense of calm. Until you shake it that is!!
x

DJ said...

Thanks for sharing your experience in attempting to dislodge the sand from your canvas at the exhibit. I needed a smile this a.m., and the reaction of the public is comforting. This would make a great scene in a movie...who do you want to play you?
:-)

Shayla said...

Jane, heh, heh- yes. That did shatter the calm :)

DJ- what a fun question. I'm game. How about Isla Fisher? She's great with clumsy body humor.

bindu said...

Perfect title to a beautiful snow-scape. I can imagine what you describe very well.

Megan Coyle said...

I love your story of trying to take a better picture--too funny.

This work of art is so beautiful and peaceful. I love the colors. Can't wait to see your next piece :)

nancy neva gagliano said...

hi....thanks for your visit and finding my rocks. i will be checking in on you now, visiting your exquisite paintings and thoughtful musings! i am actually looking forward to the snow this year, more so than in the past. ready for silent walks with my new boots and insulated garb!!