I have thought quite often that there is only one reason why one should ever buy a work of art. That is, imagining a situation in which you would never forgive yourself if you had let it go. Sitting here in front of the computer, thinking about tonight’s contribution, I looked up to the piece hanging above it. I imagined the regret I would have experienced if I had not followed my momentary gut instinct and bought it. The picture in question is a semi-abstract study in texture by a friend of mine, Nancy Stedman, entitled Cliff Face. How she has achieved the effect I cannot begin to imagine, but I can look at it again and again, each time fascinated by a different point of detail.
When I confront some art works a part of the interest of the experience is analysing the process by which it was made. I admire the dexterous handling of brush or pastel. I admire the subtle selection or mixing of colours. As an artist I can make a stab at reconstructing the creative process. With Nancy’s piece, however, I am confronted by a profound mystery, and the technical mystery is an integral part of the aesthetic experience.
I’m glad I hung it where I did.