Inspired by true events....

At my recent visit to the San Antonio Museum of Art I noticed that a lot has changed from previous visits. The main hall painting was different along with others on the second floor. There is one piece in particular that really caught my eye. It was simply called “Drumkit” by Christian Marclay. The work itself is an altered drum kit with it’s floor tom, snare, toms, and crash cymbals suspended high in the air. There is theme or message being conveyed here. In my opinion the artist was trying to say is that music is universal and ever changing. Instead of playing in the same conventional styles from years before, break free and come up with something original. There is no possible way that anyone can play this drum kit, but nobody has seen a drum kit constructed like this. Music should be the same way. Putting your own twist on something causes a lot of inspiration, especially if it has never been done before. This how I feel when I see this piece. I feel inspired to go create something that has not been created. What you see maybe an altered drum kit, what I see is a cry stating music belongs to everybody so go grab some and make your mark. This drum kit makes me wonder what else we can do to music and that’s where the inspiration comes from.

The next piece that caught my attention is a oil on canvas entitled “Passing Storm Over the Sierra Nevadas” By Albert Bierstadt. The life like landscapes with so much detail drew me into choosing this piece. The use of color and contrast helped distinguish what part of the land is surrounded under the clouds and the other part that is flourished with light from the sun that broke through the clouds. The value was so detailed that you can tell what was under water and what was not. This was done under the clouds making it darker already. The shape of the mountains down to the smallest rocks was very accurate. The most amazing detail was the reflection of the trees from the lake by the light from the clouds. This is very life like which makes me wonder if this was painted on location. This calm before the storm painting captures the serenity and peacefulness of nature. From thunderstorms to sunny days they all could be marveled with grace and wonder.

Why we go to museums and exhibits is not just to look at art, but rather look at art in its natural environment. Sure you could see any painting or sculpture on a computer and see the shape and theme being conveyed. To actually look at the piece inches away from your nose is a whole new experience. You see the color as the artist painted it or the sculpture in its size. It’s like looking at a picture of New York. You gain a better perspective from going there then seeing it on a page.