Does an Art Attack Constitute an Emergency?

 This has been a family week. Sometimes I go months without seeing any family members beyond my immediate wee nuclear family of Michael and Kazi but this past week saw us connecting with extended family members on a couple of occasions.  


The week started with the death of my brother-in-law. His health was poor and an illness took him quickly. My niece and nephew, who I think of as kids although they are both over 40, handled the arrangements with sensitivity and maturity. The service was casual, yet intimate, a time to reflect on the life of a  good man. 


As the week progressed there was some good news: my brother's wife who has been in hospital the past three week due to bronchial pneumonia was finally well enough to come home! 


Then, last night, some of us gathered to support my other brother who was holding an art show in his studio here in London. These pictures are from his art show, which continues today and tomorrow. However, visitors will find that most of his paintings have been snapped up by his many patrons, friends and family members.  In fact, by the time we arrived at around 8pm (the show opened at 7:30pm) most of the work was sold. I still managed to purchase a painting, so did my oldest brother, another nephew and my daughter! 


Yes, I had an "art attack"!! As I look around my living room and think of the other rooms in my house I know I didn't NEED another painting - every wall in my home contains original artwork - mostly paintings by my talented brother. But when it comes to art NEED doesn't really play a deciding role. Art tends to be an emotional purchase - one prompted by the feelings that are evoked upon viewing said work. A painting can transport me to another place, another time and fills me with a longing to be inside the frame rather than outside of it. The purchase of such a piece can provide moments of quiet contemplation and the fulfillment of little pockets of yearning in my soul that need filling. 


For me, that is a very important function. That is why I never feel a moment's hesitation or guilt in purchasing paintings from my brother. And if that means writing a cheque from my emergency fund then so be it. In this case a piece of my tax refund will cover the payment. And I will be the richer for it.

My brother is in the centre of this photo with his hand
on someone's shoulder.

See anyone you recognize? Yes, there's Michael and my
daughter in her bright red shirt is hiding behind him
being camera shy.

Lots of supporters! My brother paints both portraits and landscapes.
The past few years has seen him concentrate on landscapes of
Ireland. He visits there usually once or twice a year.

Even this painting, which was labelled "work in progress",
was sold. Sure which I could see it when it's finished!

Here is my purchase, entitled "The Shannon".  For me this painting
makes me think of my view of the HUGE sky in PEI, the
way that I see it from my yard at Crofters Lane.
The unusual light, the stormy clouds, the infinite expanse of it.

Both of my brothers are in this photo. The artist is busy talking while my other brother is standing next to the lady in red - all you can see is part of his little grey head peeking over someone's shoulder.

Ireland influenced landscapes.

Would have loved to buy this one too, but someone beat me to it.
It is entitle: "Snowdrops"

Tomorrow I will be spending more time with my niece and nephew as they
need help with my brother-in-law's house. It needs to be cleaned,
decluttered and readied for sale.
More family time :)