“…the expansiveness of the heavens, the song of nature, the breezes, the fragrance of the grasses—like a great breathing, deep, harmonious, elemental, cosmic.”
(Source: Joseph Cornell Papers, Archives of American Art, 1059: 352, Sept. 21-22, 1951)
In September 1951, the artist Joseph Cornell and his brother Robert spent about a month at their sister’s farm in the Hamptons of Long Island. At that period, the Hamptons were largely rural; suburban development had not yet begun there. Cornell drew great sustenance and inspiration from his walks in the woods, on the seashore, and at night. Doubtless he also found support for his dictum “collage = reality” in the grand collage of the natural world, the song of nature transmuted into solid form.
Song of Nature (2012). Digital collage created & copyright © by Eric Edelman. All rights reserved.
The Hamptons and many other former woodlands are now suburbs. Yet refuges remain where we can hear elemental nature’s song, and again breathe in harmony with the cosmos.
(All artwork, descriptions, & other text [except for quotations] created & copyright © by Eric Edelman. All rights reserved.)
Like yours and Mr. Cornell’s artwork, both are quite creative and make the audience ponder its message.
Thank you very much–that’s one of the nicest compliments I’ve ever had!
Such a cool story to go along with the art.
Thanks, for your kind comment and your visit, Alissa!
It would be so much fun if musical instruments sprouted flowers on a regular basis!
Yes it would, Jessica…preferably different flowers for different keys! Thanks very much for your comment.
Hey Eric, I really, really like this one! I love the deep greens of nature in the background that contrast with the black and white man. And You definitely make a statement about the creative sides of life (music, butterflies, excellence in candlestick making, in short, the creativity God has gifted us each with) through the explosion of color and flowers. I know I could certainly use a good walk through the woods to think right now!
I did smile with your post being about nature. I posted shots of a lightning storm. Nature must be a good theme this week.
Very nice!
Thanks for your kind and thoughtful comment, Mary. Nature’s an excellent theme this week; I think it’s because so many of us are coming off of summer vacations and weekends outdoors. So we feel it’s the last hurrah before fall and winter steal in and pin us indoors. So blogging on nature is a way to bottle it for ourselves till next year. I liked your photographs of lightning; very beautiful and dramatic!
I love the butterfly on his forehead.
Thanks, Danielle! The butterfly (or rather moth) on his head originated with a collage I did many years ago, which was based on another, very similar engraving of the same man. It was black and white, and I’d also put a colored butterfly or moth upside down on his head, mainly for whimsical reasons. So this is a sort of salute to the older collage.
Cracking one again this week quite amusing too
So it is, Steve…just saw it on bethere2day. The sad part of it is that it’s also quite true!
Wonderful, vibrant colors. I love the feel of this one.
Thanks very much, Robin!
A very interesting piece.
Thanks, Wayne!
Quite wonderful .. your collages always inspire thinking .. a good thing
Thank you so much, Daryl! I appreciate your kind comment, and I’m glad you find them thought-provoking.
Love the message! There is nothing like a nature walk. Thanks for hosting and Happy WW!
Thanks, Judy! Yes, there is nothing quite like a nature walk…though, as you see, my friend prefers to sit and listen to nature’s song. Happy WW to you as well!
This is my kind of art. Delightful!
Thank you so much, Colleen! Have a great WW!
Good composition of colors.
Thanks, Leovi!
I like the combinination of black and white and vivid colour. Also the linear textures and patterns. He is so deep in thought that he hasn’t noticed the butterfly in his face:)
Might it not be that the butterfly is part of his face?
Maybe he’s a butterfly-minded kind of guy…
Thanks for your kind comment, Lori!
Thank you for visiting Wordless Wednesday at http://acts17verse28.blogspot.com/. I appreciate you stopping by and sharing your photo this past week! And please visit this week’s Observing Beauty linky, too – it’s up and running!
I hope to see you again soon.
Have a great week,
NCSue
Thanks, Sue–will do! And thanks for your visit.