Jeffrey Hayes
"Compassion"
Oil on panel, 8 x 4 inches (20 x 10 cm)
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I don't often engage in overt symbolism, but it does seem fitting and organic sometimes. For most of my life, I've disliked the word compassion, probably because I've always equated it with pity. Pity implies a real disparity between subject and object; one doing the pitying looking down on the poor suffering one, with an implicit sense of superiority. Somehow that attitude seems objectionable to me... maybe even a little smug. Thinking some more about compassion, though, I've come to see that it arises not from a sense of superiority, but from a genuine sense of solidarity; an authentic recognition that on some deep level we all share the same predicament; we all hang from the same string.
One other thought; although our aesthetic goals differ somewhat, I have to make an obvious tip of the hat to the wonderful Mary Klein. I enjoy seeing her delightful and distinctive work often.
6 comments:
Interesting symbolism; compassion is the way for a better humanity; but don't hang yourself up for it; because that would be a pity...
Thanks for the mention, Jeff.
This is a beautiful piece and a thoughtful commentary. Your ideas about compassion and true solidarity are timely and uniquely represented in your composition.
I look forward, as usual, to seeing where your work takes you.
Best, Mary
Thanks Rudhi.
Absolutely a pleasure, Mary, Thank you.
I hadn't thought about the difference, but you're right, the word can really mean something different--depending on your perspective.
Words aside, beautiful art, as always :-)
Thank you Ed - I truly appreciate that
hello Jeff! Solidarity is a marvelous way of feeling it.
I love your work. The colors and transparency of colors.
Thank you.
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