Art
About Me
I remember the first impact that art had on me. I was around 7-8, climbing the outside wall of a church in Leeds (UK). We must have been about 10-15 feet off the ground when the Priest came outside to find us to his horror hanging like small monkeys off the wall. Yes I know now it was a dumb thing to do, but as small kids, it was fun and had no idea of the possible consequences. Little did I know the impact of what was about to happen.
The Priest gathered us up and directed us into the Church. (So you have some background, I am from an immigrant Indian background and at the time spoke very little English). He made us light some candles, at the time I had no idea why. I remember he was very kind and spent some time talking with us. But as I sat there I was blown away by the sight of the stained glass windows and Jesus on the cross.
I had never seen anything like this and had no comprehension of what this all meant, but, the power of the imagery and art gave me such a profound feeling, I could feel the pain, I could feel great sadness and I felt the grandness of its intent. I didn’t realise I had been emotionally scarred, in a good way.
It wasn’t religion but art and storytelling that had a profound effect on me. The first real painting that affected me was: The Shadow of Death a religious painting by William Holman Hunt. Also, my favourite painters are Caravaggio, The Entombment of Christ. And Norman Rockwell a painter that captured iconic American scenes with thought-provoking narrative.
It’s quite funny that I’m not religious and my professional life has been in the advertising, communication and design industry. Thank you, Mr Priest.
