Being a Left Brainer in a Right Brained World

Posted by Andy Cunningham on February 6, 2014 at 9:34 AM

Last week my Art Criticism professor pointed out in front of the class that I was definitely the left-brainer of our group compared to a group of communications, film, and photography majors. I have always had an interest in art but it was very diffcult for me to shape how I felt about it into words.

I am a very straight-forward, black and white, yes or no kind of person. I knew taking this Art Criticism class would take the knowledge of art I did have to the next level by now having to apply what I knew. Professor Wadsworth [the one who was my professor in Italy as I previously mentioned] picks on me in a fun way since I am way too analytical, but I see it as a challenge to help activate my right brain.

Visions of Verona brought my right brain to life

This week, that started on Wednesday, at the faculty art show. The art and communications professors display their art in the Academic Hallway of Sanders [otherwise known as the cool building with Prez Bob's office in it].

Being fully enthralled in the nursing world of sick people the past three years I never knew about this art show. Professor Wadsworth brought it to our attention in class last week since two of her recent pieces would be exhibited at the show. As if that wasn't reason to go enough, Professor's pieces would be focused on two different places we attended during our time in Italia. Sold. (plus major brownie points for writing about my Professor's artwork as the content of my blog this week)

Susan Wadsworth's "Roman Ruins VII Villa Catullus
Professor Susan Wadsworth's "Roman Ruins VII Villa Catullus"

Despite the fact that I already know Professor Wadsworth's style of art, I was instantly drawn back to Verona and Sirmione when I saw her two pieces. The first (above) was the warmed brown stones of the ruins at the tip of Sirmione. There is a slight haze over the mountains in the distance that sit so gently upon Lake Garda. The ruins stand strong and bold as a outline of where you are looking from, my eye pearing through a break in the thick stones.

The most ironic part when I look at this piece is I am drawn back to the chaos of when I fell into that very lake. The water was so stiff and calm, even when I toppled into the glassy lake avoiding sharp rocks everywhere around me. Some called it a baptism of some sort because there had to be someone watching over me to avoid all those archival stones beneath the surface. I really think Professor captured the very essence of the soft and dignified Lake Garda of Italy.

Giusti Gardens magnificently captured on canvas

The next piece really moved me. I knew exactly where Professor Wadsworth was standing when she envisioned this piece. The Giusti Gardens (below) was one of my favorite places in Verona because it has an outstanding view overlooking the red roofs and the big three towers that probed towards the sky; The Duomo, Santa Anastasia, and the tower of Piazza Erbe. As you ascend the green hills of the gardens you come to an outlook that has a type of stone trellis above you.

The shading of the arches in this work shows the depth of the stone hovering above where there are green plants crawling over the edge of the stone. All throughout the garden, the greens literally came out towards you, just like this work. The red roofs are prevalent in the background as they go on forever before meeting the horizon. The peacefulness and regalness of the Giusti Gardens are ever so prominent in this beautiful work of art.

Giusti Gardens, VeronaProfessor Susan Wadsworth's "Giusti Gardens, Verona View"

As you are probably yawning at my attempt to be an art critic for a few moments and scoring even more brownie points with my Professor, I hope you can get some taste of Italy like I do when I look at these two pieces. I am slowly learning in this class that art is supposed to make you feel something, and that something is never wrong. Although it is hard for me to interpret how I feel about art I felt these pieces will be an excellent segway since I was familiar with the content. I have always been someone with an opinion and now no matter what opinion I have, as long as I can back it up, is correct. This activation of my right brain could begin to be useful.

What artwork moves you and why? Tell me about it in the comments below. 

 

Topics: Student Experience