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A Snowy Day

By December 13, 2010Uncategorized

As the lavish colour of autumn gives way to the muter tones of winter, I though I’d post two happy garden pictures. The first one, by Paul Klee, is titled “Tunisian Gardens” (1919). The second one is by Friedensreich Hundertwasser and is titled “Green for Those Who Cry” (1974). I love Klee and Hundertwasser for their musicality and playful use of line. They are often referred to as ‘childlike’ in their approach. I suppose this could be seen as a compliment or insult, depending on your attitude. I personally like to think of something fantasy writer Zenna Henderson once said: “It takes a very childlike (as opposed to childish) person to keep wonder and illusion alive in a lifetime of teaching.” (I’m paraphrasing.)

For Hundertwasser, lyricism and spontaneity are tied to an entire worldview. As he observed: “Today we live in a chaos of straight lines, in a jungle of straight lines. If you do not believe this, take the trouble to count the straight lines which surround you. Then you will understand, for you will never finish counting.”

If you’re ever in Vienna, try to make time to see his amazing architecture and you’ll see his philosophy in practice. (No straight lines!) He reminds me of Antoni Gaudi post-Holiday punch.