Living in a world of Nuance
I spent several days with my parents a few weeks ago and had a wonderful conversation with my dad about art. Since his eyesight was still clear I wanted to get him a beautiful new painting for his room. So I asked him who his favorite artist was. Without hesitation he said, "Rothko." I then asked him what it was about Rothko that he was drawn to. He said, "I love the space between the colors. There are no straight lines." That made sense to me because I, too, love to linger in between the lines. "It's not enough to get from one note to another, it's HOW to get there that is the music." That is the big lesson that I've learned from my father. To really explore that place between destinations.. He spent his last couple weeks staring at the Rothko poster we put up that he had picked out and it has provided a wonderful glow for him while he lingers here..
During my time at Yale, and while a member of the Glee Club, there was a Rothko exhibit at the Yale University Art Gallery. I vividly remember those paintings and visiting the exhibit with Allan (now my husband of almost 15 years). Fenno's description has changed the way I will view Rothko's art forever. Fenno was such an integral part of my Yale experience and influenced the way I teach my children about music. My thoughts and prayers are with the extended Heath family and Yale community.
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