Art That Makes Me Smile

 A couple of years ago, thanks to Antiques Roadshow, I started visiting thrift stores in the hopes of finding treasures.

 

It was during this time that I started my Gallery of Abandoned Inspiration (an art gallery in my bathroom that consists of original, abandoned works) and that I found today’s piece of art.

 

I don’t know what drew me to this piece. I’m not even sure what technique was used to make it. But something about the piece spoke to me—it made me smile—I liked it—and so I bought it…for G-mama to put in her apartment at her assisted living facility.

 

A few years ago, while cleaning out G-mama’s house, I stumbled upon a small lighthouse painting in her hallway. I’d seen it for almost 40 years, but I’d not started my love affair with art until later in those 40 years, so I’d never discussed the piece with G-mama.

 

When I asked her about it, she didn’t have much to tell me. She didn’t know the artist. She didn’t know the place or year of origin. All she knew was that the painting made her smile.

 

I guess maybe that’s why I chose this piece for her: it made me smile.

 

Two weeks ago, as we were sorting through G-mama’s affects for the last time, I carefully tucked away this piece so that I could bring it home and hang it in on my wall.

 

I won’t hang it in the Gallery of Abandoned Inspiration, or the Orange Fish Gallery, or the Fabio Napoleoni Gallery, or the Jesus Wall, or the Barb-the-Art-Teacher Wall, rather I will hang it in my hallway gallery of various and sundry pieces—pieces that I just like—right above the lighthouse painting.

 

Dear God: Thank you for art that makes us smile. You are the God of Creation and you allow us to create alongside you with art. Thank you. Help us to create…to appreciate…to smile. Amen.