I gaze at Claude Monet’s ‘Field of Poppies’ print hanging on my wall, and am subconsciously drawn into the world of early impressionist art. These red, pink, green, blue, white dabs of oil paint represent a new way of looking at the world around us. The open field of endless poppies, with the tall trees in the background, and then the fluffy white clouds against a sky blue background; represent a moment and place in time, captured on a canvas forever. There is an unwrapping of ethereal beauty, representation of eternal love, passion for a new vision, delight in this life and a perspective that is unique; all represented by this single work of art. Claude saw the world differently; and was fearless of his critics, when he painted what he wanted, and most importantly how he wanted it.
Art is the outcome of the soul, and the representation of the highest achievements of man. I will be an open romantic; in saying that great art inspires me, and were it not for these great works, my life would be far lesser than it is. The tortured soul of Vincent or Michelangelo left us a vision of what life should represent, and not what is mundane and routine. Standing under the enormous beauty of the statue of David; one feels reduced to the essence of man, fighting for our rightful space in this universe. We are suddenly made larger than life; by these romantic works, and even the gods must be jealous of what they represent. Human endeavor and the lust for life represent our highest callings; and we must each of us find that one thing, which makes life meaningful. Leave a legacy of not property or wealth but that one piece of your soul; that represents your unique view of existence, and all eternity will be yours. I am unabashedly in love with this field of poppies and all it represents; and life is worth living again, as I secretly dream of what one day, will be my tortured legacy for you.