never before have i experienced such a natural expression of individual creativity than at taizé, an ecumenical monastery located in the rural burgundy region of eastern france. i spent most of a week at taizé recently, and was more in awe of the art i discovered there than with anything i saw at the louvre or any other museums while in paris.
what is it about art, that can mean so much or so little? i found the art at taizé to be beautiful because it was personal. i perhaps saw the brothers whose hands had made the simple pottery, etchings, and stained glass windows, whose minds had written booklets, explaining their beliefs on reconciliation, and whose hearts had overflowed to create simple melodies which were sung at prayer three times daily. they created because we are creative beings, created by God in his image and therefore bound to be creative in our nature.
many more thoughts to come on this.
Great Blog!
ReplyDeleteI have found similar art and solace in the Rhone country in Eastern France and in the French Alps. Small town art, from artists who pour soul and passion into what they do.