Keeping the World Away

Have just finished reading 'Keeping the World Away' by Margaret Forster.  I chose this book mainly because it was about a painting and the women who lives it touched.  Each of the women in the book were very different but essentially the same in one respect.  The saw something in the painting of an attic room that others could not.  I shared the frustrations of Stella who finally accepted she would never be a talented artist.  I envied Jacasta her beautiful attic studio filled with light and her wonderful talent as a portait painter.  I loved how in each woman's story there was a link with the women who had gone before and marvelled at how the painting found its way into their lives (and hearts).

The woman who painted the picture was Gwen John, a talented Welsh artist (1876-1939). She studied under Whistler and was the mistress of the scultor Rodin.  It was only on finishing the book that I realised that Gwen was a real person (obviously the story and other characters in the book are fiction).  I'm frustrated that I didn't know about her and by my lack of knowledge about many artists and their work.  Should I have known about her? There are such huge gaps in my knowledge.  However, on a positive note I know about her now and will make a point of finding out more.  Although the story is fiction, I completely understand her longing to (sometimes) keep the world away. 

Comments

[Jennifer]

Ah yes, slowing down. Definitely doing that a lot more these days. I find that brief moments of complete stillness are making a huge difference in my life.

[Marc]

That's so true. I've had that same experience myself. More times than I care to admit!

Maybe slowing down and taking your time and learning to really enjoy and take pride in what you are doing is more valuable than we realize sometimes.

[Jennifer]

Unfortunately I am my own worst critic as I am fortunate in having many people in my life who appreciate me for who I am and what I do. It's just me that's doing a pretty good job of beating myself up! I guess I need to listen to them instead of myself.

[Marc]

It's funny...with enough negative criticism and people telling you that you will never amount to this or that, people start to believe it.

Unfortunately when that happens, lots of things go unnoticed by people that might appreciate them.

Of course, who would want to continue with any project if they felt nobody would appreciate it.

Finding the people that appreciate what you are doing is pretty important for anyone, huh?