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Optimism

April 22, 2020

“Happiness is being on the beam with life - to feel the pull of life.” -Agnes Martin

Art can be a vehicle for optimism, through playful or hopeful subjects, color, and gesture. Art can resonate with our own experience of happiness and capture a spirit of positivity. Art can show us a way of seeing and materialize the universal and internal sensation of optimism. These four artworks are grounded in this world, echoing our own experiences of happiness. David Jacobson’s glass bird swoops up, its gesture lifting off, a universally joyous signal. Jessica Lee Ives swimmer places us in the water; through her brushwork we can feel the laps of water, the warmth of the sun, and our body in motion. Our connection to the human form creates a mirror sensation of being submerged in the light filled pool of water. Colin Page’s painting of Hazel running conjures our own memories of childhood, discovery, and exploration. As in Jess’s painting, seeing her from behind and in motion, we feel ourselves running through the painting. The majestic natural setting, the warm palette, the freedom of space around her, the fresh and confident brushwork, all serve to invoke a deep personal happiness. Siri Beckman’s Breakfast Table, with the table set and the chairs open, we are invited in, anticipating the joy of a window side meal. Art’s power to reframe our outlook is most wonderfully applied when it lifts us and inspires optimism.

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