impressions

there is an italian phrase that is used with regard to painting. lillian hellman also published a novel by this name in the early 70's. that novel was later made into a film titled "julia" starring jane fonda and vanessa redgrave. that word is pentimento. wikipedia describes it as:

A pentimento (plural pentimenti) is an alteration in a painting, evidenced by traces of previous work, showing that the artist has changed his mind as to the composition during the process of painting. The word derives from the Italian pentirsi, meaning to repent.

more from wikipedia here

i remember very clearly seeing "julia" when i was young and being completely taken with this description which is given at the beginning of the film. that monologue also describes how lillian felt comfortable on water because the body is 95 percent water and it seemed natural for her to be on a boat or on water.

i have always remembered the idea of pentimento. of evidential changing of one's mind. it detracts in some way the idea of perfect, however, at the same time it indicates procession and development, which is how art and growth happen.

it makes perfect sense to me that i conceive of something in a very specific way, but as it becomes clearer and more real, modifications will happen.

i was sharing a book of monet's works with some clients and i was talking about how perception alters as time marches. if you look at his earlier works such as the first one above, the subjects are clear and well drawn and precise. but as he matures, the focus shifts. the details of individual subject matter fade and the impression of the subject moves into the foreground. how the light is washing, how the color varies by time of day and position of sun. no longer are the intricate details of a face, or a house, or a tree as prominent as the reflection and refraction of the light and the world around them. i think this is one of the most refreshing observations i have had in a while. it seems so true that when i was young, i felt i could see everything. i felt that because i saw a situation, i understood the situation. but as i mature, it becomes increasingly clear that i understand far less than i would like to think. i concentrate more on understanding how my own perceptions might fit into a bigger picture.

i'm including a bit of cocteau twins today. i absolutely loved their sound and their live shows always made me feel as if i had done mescalin. they were very sensual and heady and i always swayed and felt groovy. i think they still sound magical...they definitely left a lasting impression with me.