In much the same manner as I addressed the writing of letters in a previous post titled 'the sunshine of the light of letters' recently my wandering mind has fallen on the topic of art.
In May of 2010 Jenny turned 21, and I knew I had to get just the right present. Something special but not predictable, unique yet classic, different but timeless. I really don't know why I decided on having a portrait painted, it seemed like it fit all my criteria I suppose.
And so I contacted the brother of my quantum physics professor in New Zealand and he agreed to take on the work. Jenny of course found out about the painting on her birthday but it was not finished, shipped or framed for another few months. These are all details however and not really the reason I felt compelled to write about such a matter.
The truth is, I fear we no longer have an appreciation for belongings that are likely to outlast us. Houses today are built to last no more than 20 years in some cases, computers designed to be replaced within 5 years, clothing often unravels after a terrifyingly few number of uses and generally shoddy examples of construction or assembly are present in nearly everything we own.
People do however tend to hold art in special regards. Maybe it has to do with preserving someone's tedious and talented work, maybe to do with the value of some pieces of art. Or maybe because paintings, drawings and art in general used to be the only way of documenting events, places and sometimes lives. One thing I know for sure is that, unless by some awful chance our portrait is destroyed, it will be cared for. Protected by Jenny and myself throughout our lifetimes and handed to our children upon our deaths. And maybe to their children upon theirs.
It's a slightly grim thought that this piece of art may outlive us both, but also supremely interesting to think where it may be in 200 years, and who will be looking up at it hung on the wall. Asking themselves if the faces in the painting are serious or smirking.
I had no idea you had written this, did you tell me about it? Anyway, I loved reading it so much & thank you for the gorgeous 21st birthday present! I hope mine to you of a trip to Africa was suitably fitting in return? =D I love imagining where it will be, us smiling down on someone a few hundred years from now! =D I love you!
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