Pius Okaneme
SIR: You start to call back to mind sweet memories when the harmattan breeze is tickling your nerves in the morning.
The glassy shine of the sun piercing through the window makes you want to linger in bed and forget the chores of the day.
I remember vividly a discussion I had with a special friend a long time ago. She is an Italian. I used to do painting at the time. She works as an interior decorator for celebrities in New York and other big cities around the world.
I respect my friend’s interpretation of art works. She studied arts in her native country before relocating to New York City.
Her keenness on artistic technicalities is naturally grounded. Hence, she is determined whenever she talks about what qualifies as a good art piece.
On one of our usual visits during the summer to artsy bookstores in the Village, she became so excited. She opened an argument with me on the rigours of creating a fine work of art.
I was impressed and fully listened hoping to gain from her knowledge. She detailed the rudiments of drawing a perfect line, mixing different hues and depth of colors and places to buy impressionistic art materials.
She named stores that sell the best oil paints, pastels, brushes and canvases. I was bemused by the intricacies of her conception of what art entails.
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Fortunately, I had enough confidence in my practice of arts at this stage. First, I reminded her that I am an artist. Secondly, that what I draw is stirred inside of me by inspiration.
I mentioned to her that the picture of a rose flower that I gave her during her last birthday was painted by me. Using it as an example, I told her that I used red and green ball pen to create the brightness and depth that resonated on a sketching pad like a blossoming morning rose.
She passionately expressed to me that she loves the painting. The warmness in her eyes softened my heart. We believed that we have made our points elaborately.
In that usual New York City style, we left the bookstore holding hands together and walking in the sunshine. Our friendship became stronger. We have cleverly shown each other the content of our passion. We were pleased with the enlightenment.
I was informed by her strong background in arts. On her part, she came out from our exchange with the fundamental notion that the artist is the master.
I believe that I have illustrated to her that the vision supersedes the creation. It is not the material alone that determines the significance of an art piece.
She learned from her education the symbolism of art. She gained from our discussion the awareness that the knowledge was once an imagination in the mind of an artist.
- Pius Okaneme, piusokanemeyahoo.com, Umuoji, Anambra State.
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