Did the chicken come first or the egg? Does art imitate life, or life imitate art? The argument can sway in either case. Recent findings suggest, a strong possibility of the chicken arriving – before the egg. And I’m tempted to say; it might not be very different in the dilemma of life vs art. But, for argument sake, and to stick with the theme of the photo challenge, I’ll go with the latter.
What makes us human? What inspires art and what can life learn from art? Emotion or the lack of it – is what sets us apart. And however complex we may be, we are a sum of our basic emotions: grief, joy, and love. The process is cyclic and one gives into the other.
Grief
“The trouble is, you think you have time.”
– Buddha
The past month has been chequered with sad news. An extended family member and a parent of close friend have passed away. How do you deal with the grief of losing a loved one? And can words truly express what you feel? When we saw the ‘Pieta’, even through the glass enclosure, I was struck by the look of ‘pain’ Michelangelo had successfully managed to evoke in stone. A few days back, I saw the same look, and this time it was not set in stone.
Joy
“One joy shatters a hundred griefs.”
– Chinese Proverb
When you’re truly able to leave grief behind, only then, will the process of healing begin. Sometimes, it’s the little things in life that bring joy. It could be a smile, a flower in full bloom, or a sunny day with clear skies. Although the memories of the past might come to haunt us, it’s in the future – lies the key to happiness.
Love
“Sometimes following your heart means losing your mind.”
– Unknown
Love is the most primal emotion that we can feel. Too much or too little – can have a different effect on us. We’ve never been to the Taj Mahal. I’ve found it ironic that a mausoleum would become a symbol of love. Probably, the Taj symbolises love that triumphs the odds and negates the pain of grief.
twobrownfeet 
A heartfelt post, depicting our most primal emotions and beautifully paired with pictures of art. Lovely.
Thank you, Miriam. It’s something that has been weighing me down for a while. Hoping things work out for the best!
I’m so sorry for your losses. Such a sad time for you and I send you much love and hugs.
Thank you, Miriam. I’ve found blogging to be a wonderful outlet.
I’m so glad. I feel the same way, although it took a while. Initially I was reluctant to ‘put myself out there’.
I know what you mean. It’s taken me a while to be true to myself. But gauging by the response, it’s been the right decision. 🙂
I think that’s the key, being true to yourself.
Couldn’t agree more. 🙂
This is such a lovely post. Love all the quotes. Chicken or the egg? I think it’s anyone’s guess…and at the same time, I always like a bit of mystery. Sorry to hear the passing of your family member and my condolences. In times like that you often feel lost, and getting over it can be slow sometimes.
That statue in Paris looks very life-like, looks like Charlie Chaplin! The last quote on following your heart spoke to me the most. Following my passion in writing, a lot of the time I think where am I going with this? 😀
Thank you Mabel. My bets are on the chicken. 🙂 I know the feeling of being lost too often. I guess we have to accept the good with the bad.
The second image is of a human statue. 🙂 He’s as real as one can get. He’s imitating Charlie Chaplin. It’s pretty common in Europe.
I know what you mean with the writing bit. I wonder and think and reach no answer. Take life as it comes. And keep writing. 🙂
Great post. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Don!
Great Post
Thanks! 🙂
welcome
Love your exploration o n the challenge. You pointed out important aspects of humans life and these can be found in arts too. I was thinking to participate to include Taj Mahal but just not sure how to connect it, you did it beautifully!
Thank you, Indah! I’ve got a new fetish for building 3D jigsaw puzzles. Did this during my free time. 🙂
Wow, I tried that before but I have no patience 😀 My first try out was Neuschwanstein Castle – it was so beautiful but in the end my niece who finished it 😀
Haha! I know what you mean. I struggled to get the last part. And I cheated a little. Basil keeps teasing me that he can see the cracks. I’ve got a Korean house to do next. I’m hoping that turns better.