Have you ever had a life experience that includes the good, bad and the ugly all within days, if not hours? I wasn’t going to write about Bob’s (husband) and my vacation to Barcelona, but the impact has been far greater than I could have predicted and it is also art related.
It is called the Miro Foundation, because it is an educational institution as well as an exhibition space. It is the only museum specifically designed for one artist.
A month ago, on a sparkling sunny morning, I drove our rental car down from the Pyrynees Mountains of Spain into a western suburb of Barcelona. I parked on a main road directly in front of the Joan Miro Foundation, locked the car with our luggage and went in to experience the profound artistic life of the renowned Spanish artist Joan Miro (1893-1983).
Before entering, I confessed I knew only a cursory amount about Miro’s artistic influence. Within minutes, my mind was markedly expanded. Britannica describes Miro as: a Catalan painter who combined abstract art with Surrealist fantasy. His mature style evolved from the tension between his fanciful, poetic impulse and his vision of the harshness of modern life. He worked extensively in lithography and produced numerous murals, tapestries, and sculptures for public spaces. These sculptures below show his whimsical side. I loved wandering the exhibitions spaces and experiencing his genius and diversity.
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He was a breaker of artistic rules as he constantly pushed the boundaries of painting and sculpture. In fact, he created what he called, “anti-paintings.” Below is an example. We watched a video of him painting and then burning his canvas with a torch from the back. He then painting more on the front. This quickly demonstrated how he did not treat his work as ‘precious,’ which is something so many of us do. I also saw a sense of fearlessness that I have not witnessed before, which was good for me to see.
We left the museum moved by how Miro’s art impacted the world. Because I was embarrassed that I had not studied him or his work, I was inspired and looking forward to journaling about what I had learned and reflecting on my own artistic journey through my visit with Miro.
Upon arriving back at our car, our world was rudely turned upside down and inside out. The lights for unlocking the car did not blink and I immediately knew something was wrong. Our car vent window had been smashed and all of our luggage and a computer bag were gone. It was gut wrenching. Oddly, we had read several articles about the rampant stealing and pick pockets in Barcelona and had taken several steps to protect ourselves, but this was completely unexpected. Even the Spanish were shocked to hear about the significance of this theft.
The vacation that we had been planning for months with high expectations, came to an abrupt halt. Plans of celebrating our 34th wedding anniversary further up the Spanish coast and then over into southern France to spend time with friends was over. We felt stripped and violated.
With nothing but the waist pouches and clothes on our backs, we then spent about 3.5 hours in the Barcelona Police Station. I will not bore you with the crazy details of that experience. It was 7pm on a Saturday evening when we arrived at our hotel in the heart of the tourist area. What to do next? Where do we purchase something to sleep in, a toothbrush, other clothes, prescription drugs, etc??!!
Then we had to decide if we should try to continue on our trip or not. Given several circumstances, it was best to return home. We were emotionally devastated. The next few days were spent obtaining new passports, returning a damaged car, purchasing necessary items, figuring out new airline schedules, and trying to recover from the trauma of the event. In retrospect, both of us were in a state of shock for several days.
Fortunately, I proclaimed, “I will never return to Barcelona, but I will not leave without seeing some of Antoni Gaudi’s (1852-1926) work.” Oh my! We were in for another profound eye opener. I knew that his influence was evident throughout Spain, in particular Barcelona, but I was not aware of its significance. Because of the theft, we were not able to take advantage of tickets we had purchased in before leaving the US. However, we did walk by the Casa Batllo. What a fun and funky apartment. He was a genius way ahead of his time much like Da Vinci. I encourage you to learn more about Gaudi.
We then went to his magical and magnificent La Sagrada Familia!! On another beautiful day, we approached this basilica in awe.
It encompasses an entire city block. Hence, photos do not begin to give it justice. Nearly every architectural decision Gaudi made was symbolic and mathematically calculated. The Spanish began constructing this world wonder in 1882 and intend to have it completed by 2026, which will be miraculous if they do.
Below, the stained glass windows create the gradation of green to orange via the afternoon sunlight. It was something to behold. The Sagrada Familia is a sacred place. I could feel its beauty and spirituality. We are grateful for having experienced it as words cannot describe it adequately.
We arrived home with mixed feelings. We were safe and yet we had to begin putting our lives back together again and dealing with insurance paperwork, replacing items, etc. I experienced days of depression and minor anxiety attacks as well a moments of anger. Finally, I asked a good friend to tell me to “Go and paint!” I wasn’t really motivated, but I know that painting grounds me and often takes me out of negative spaces.
Here is one of the paintings I created. I had no expectations. I just started applying layers of paint while tapping into my emotions. Given my story, what is your interpretation of it?
Painting did help get me back on track again. Processing inspiring artists such as Miro and Gaudi, while trying to navigate this trauma will take more time…..and painting. Writing this post is also cathartic. Thank you for coming along.
What do you do when life throws you a curve ball? Does creativity play a role?
How do you process seeing artwork that moves you to tears and intellectually challenges you?
Please consider forwarding this post to others who may be interested using the buttons below.
Colorfully and gratefully yours,
Carol
PS I noticed that Miro and Gaudi used color differently. It will be interesting to study this further.
Oh Carol, I am so sorry to hear this happened to you and Bob. What a big bummer! I know how awful it feels to be robbed. It really throws you off.
Thankfully you did get to experience some art and that your painting helped bring you back to yourself.
I hope this doesn’t stop you from traveling and exploring. And painting! Thank you for sharing. Sending love to you and Bob.
So sorry you had that awful experience in Spain. I’ve lived through hell when my 19 yr old daughter was killed in a tragic car accident almost 17 years ago. I was aHS art teacher when it happened. I was severely depressed almost to the point of suicide. My art saved me. It allowed me to express my pain and gave me a sense of control in a work out of control. I retired from public school but I continue to teach at our local Sr. Center. My daughters dream was to some day do something that would make a difference. I must make that difference for her.
Oh my, Carol. I know EXACtLY how you feel as our home was broken into—because they can. You just feel violated, and your painting clearly shows this. The anger, hot (mad) colors and frenzied brush strokes. Your painting says it all! Glad you are both unhurt (physically) and yes, keep on painting! Also, if you haven’t done so already, get a home security system.
Wow! I see images within this forest, particularly the ones peering down in the upper right hand corner. People are watching over you!🙂. Thank you for sharing your story juxtaposing despair, joy, frustration, fear, steadfastness and anger to then painting this beautiful painting!
Truly sorry about your experience. You described it perfectly..you feel violated. So you know you are not alone, I will tell you of the leader of our dental study club. He is Italian, and he teaches study
clubs world wide. He says the world is his classroom. His worst experience happened in his home
country of Italy. He was sleeping in his hotel when a loud boom disturbed him. He didn’t bother to get up to investigate since he was worn out from travel. He got up and prepared for his first lecture at the meeting room. He went down to retrieve his slides, notes, 30+ years of treatment records and
prepare the room for his class. When he got to the parking lot, there was an area corded off with
police tape. In the center was his rental car, convertible….completely blown up and everything destroyed. His life’s work was gone! No computers back then to back up….there was only one record and now he had zero to show for his life in dentistry/orthodontics.
He kept going though, and will celebrate his 70th year of world travel and teaching this December.
He never found out who or why his car was selected AND why so violent an attack. The materials were of value only to him.
Keep throwing the paint! You won’t remember my situation, but I’m the one with mild deuton color blindness. Your book has completely changed how I plan out my color selection and mixing.
At this time you need to know you have been and continue to be an influence in the art world.
Thank you, and keep up the great work. We need more teachers like you.
Gary Burris
Hi Carol, I’m so sorry that you experienced such disappointment and trauma on what should have been a joyous journey. You are so strong and I prayed for you to overcome and believed you would recover. I interpret your painting as a healing process. In the foreground is the Joan Miro large red figure which represents the pain you suffered. The arches and yellow to orange transition in the middle ground represent you looking upward with hope and perseverance and are derived from the Gaudi basilica. Above the turmoil and among tree shapes is the white form of an angel of grace and mercy, guarding and protecting you as you process and find peace to face your future.
Ruth, thank you and I LOVE your interpretation of my painting. I really appreciate you taking the time to write it and share it.
Wow Gary! What a horrific story. Thank you for sharing AND for your kind words. Happy to hear that my book has had an impact….warms my heart.
You are welcome and thank you for your interpretation and encouraging words.
Hi Rose, sorry to learn of your home being broken into. Thanks for your caring words.
Hi Linda, my heart goes out to you. I believe that “art saves lives,” and good to learn that has been important to your healing process. I have no doubt that you are making a difference and encourage you to continue to do so.
Hi Cynthia, It is true….I still feel thrown off. The other day walking into a parking car garage to get my car, I had a mild anxiety attack as I wondered if it would still be there! Nuts, but I knew immediately why I felt unnerved. Thank you for your encouraging words and love back to you and Steve.
Dear Carol –
I am so sorry to hear about your break-in and can only imagine how violated you and Bob felt after this horrendous experience. Having lost what little valuables we had along with some irreplaceable pieces from our moms and dads along with high school and college rings in a break-in, I can more than sympathize and empathize with your utter devastating feelings.
I hope you can both leave those ugly frightening feelings behind and find contentment in the knowledge that your family, friends. and fans are happy you are both physically unscathed and able to move forward into a brighter world, knowing that you have not only moved beyond such unpleasantness, but have brought such wonderful memories of two newly discovered and special artists and the beautiful Sagrada Familia, captured in all its breath-taking splendor.
In your painting I see a little white lonely face in a small sea of white which to me represents unfathomable white rage with an edge of deep terror red. But to me the overpowering orange and yellow areas and the wee bit of mauve in the upper right-hand corner show a promise of a wonderful autumn and a peaceful gentle snow falling into your lives as the cooler season nears.
It took a lot to share such a personal experience, and I feel privileged that you have chosen to share it with your most devoted followers. Thank you.
– Ruth Jansson
Dear Carol, What a rude introduction to the society of Barcelona. These foolish folks don’t realize they are alienating those who could provide their and their neighbors income via tourism. I will never visit there because of this.
Yet there you created a gorgeous painting. As it is juxtaposed by the photo of the cathedral colors, I see and feel in your painting columns flowing to vaulted ceilings, that also look like trees, with the sunset behind, projecting the vivid colors of creativity. The light shining through it all. The strong vertical orientation is uplifting, positive, exuberant. I love it!
We lost everything in a Fire so I know what you are feeling and going through. Thank Goodness you have your studio as a sanctuary.
Thank you for sharing! Your story helps me to know it is not only okay to share these traumas but that in the sharing others are helped.
Wishing you blessings and wondrous synchronisities as you and Bob are helped to heal.
Kim
Wow, Carol, how tragic on so many levels. Although your painting shows anger I also see love and light making their way to the surface.
I love the photo of you so enthralled with Miro’s work. Although your trip was atrociously cut short it seems you have memories to give rise to your next gorgeous series to share with all of us. You and Bob will be in my thoughts and prayers. All the best.
Thank you Mickey! Your insightful words are appreciated. 🙂 We are slowly getting back on track.
Hi Kim. Thank you for your kind supportive words. I love your interpretation of my painting. It is always a pleasure to hear how my work is perceived. So sorry to hear about a fire that destroyed your property. I live near such a disaster (the 2013 Black Forest,CO wildfire) and have much empathy for those who have had to endure such devastation. We live 1.5 miles from where the fire was stopped. Wishing you all the best and positive creative outlets.
Hi Ruth. Thank you for your thoughtful and beautifully written response! I have enjoyed reading your interpretation (read it a couple of times!) of my painting and how it expresses the yin-yang of my experience. Happy to have shared our story, though I was hesitant. Your encouragement keeps me to be as authentic as I can be.