Friday, September 14, 2012

Everyday Beauty

The Bath


Do you have a favorite artist? I have a few, but my most favorite (or at least my favorite American artist) is Mary Cassatt. I was introduced to her in my freshman year of college, as part of my American Studies major, in a class called Visual America. We studied American history and culture and society through artwork, sculpture, photography, and film. It was a fantastic class.

I don't specifically remember what we learned about Mary Cassatt, but I remember being moved by her subject matter. She specialized in painting women and children, and especially had a love for depicting motherhood in her paintings. And I just find them to be so lovely. Women and children are shown together in the most everyday settings, but Cassatt had the ability to draw their closeness and their bond right out of the canvas. The love, to me, is palpable. And perhaps this is partly because they are shown doing normal, everyday things together. Cassatt's choice to paint women and children in the midst of routine tasks brings beauty to the sometimes mundane aspects of caring for children (like giving a bath). She delighted in the everyday, and seemed to believe that this is what motherhood is all about--constancy, and closeness, and continuous, un-changing love.


Breakfast in Bed

Children in the Garden



12 comments:

  1. I love Mary Cassatt. My brother, sister and I were homeschooled and my mom loves art. She taught us so much about painters and Mary Cassatt is her favorite. :) She has "The Beach" hanging in the bathroom we used as kids. Gorgeous paintings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Katie, I love that! Your mom has good taste :) I was not homeschooled but I think it's so wonderful that homeschooling allows for more emphasis on art, or music, or just about whatever the children/parents think is important and enjoy. It can be such a personalized education, from what I understand. I'd love to hear more about your experience :)

      Delete
  2. You have such a beautiful blog, Katie. I am excited to follow you and read your refreshing posts. So glad I found you today!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Leah, that is so nice to hear! Thank you for following! I love "meeting" new people in the blog world :)

      Delete
  3. Kate, I loved this post! I, too, am a fan of Mary Cassatt. Her subject matter really speaks to me. In fact, I did a blog post about her on November 9, 2011. If you're interested, the link is: http://mumsie2five.blogspot.com/2011/11/impressionist-mary-cassatt.html.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love Rene Magritte! XO

    jillianturner.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love Mary Cassat's paintings as well! You're so right on when you write motherhood is about constancy, closeness and continuous, unchanging-love.
    Carl Larson is also a favorite artist of mine. He paints his family and their life together in Sweden.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As a mama yourself, I'm glad to hear you say that, Sarah! I hadn't heard of Carl Larsson before but I just looked him up and he does beautiful work. So glad to broaden my horizons! Thanks for sharing.

      Delete
  6. Kate,
    I love your blog. Your love for you husband and passion for being an amazing woman inspires me. I, too, love Mary Cassett. She and Georgia O'keeffe were inspirations to me in middle school as they were amazing women artists who were able to convey emotions through paint. After learning about them in sixth grade I went on to study art throughout high school and college. Thank you for your blog and your wonderful view of life.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nikki, this is such a thoughtful comment. I'm so flattered and humbled that you're enjoying my blog! And how wonderful that you've studied art! I never had any artistic talent so I envy you. Thank you so much for reading.

      Delete

Your comments bring me joy! I do my best to respond to each one either on the blog or via email (if your email is linked to your comment). Thank you for visiting Something Ivory.

Designed by Jackie's Design Studio