Good Life Tour of The Harn Taylor fabiani

"Distraught Palm" by Hiram Williams, 1993 (mixed media on canvas)

This painting immediately stood out to me because of its 3D texture. Paintings tend to be flat images, yet this one in particular begins to extend beyond the canvas. Looking back on this picture, the effect, however, is not the same. Unlike seeing it in person, it is as flat as my computer screen. Yet, in person, this painting tells a different story. Looking at it, I saw life in the artwork and it was easier to connect to than something completely flat on paper. It appealed to my sense of sight and touch, and though the canvas was roped off, I had a desire to touch the uneven texture of the paint, to be a part of the artwork.

David A. Cofrin Asian Art Wing

The David A. Cofrin Asian Art Wing appealed to me because it broke the stereotype I had in my head of what a museum should look like. In movies, museums tend to have white walls, white floors and no decorations but the art itself. Perhaps this puts a greater attention on the art; however, the Asian Art Wing was something I could truly connect to. Somewhere between the hardwood floors and the wood cabinets, I felt like I was in someone's kitchen. It had a comfortable, home-y feeling to it. The "white walls" stereotype I had makes one feel detached from the space, yet this wing felt like home.

Outdoor scenery of the Harn Museum

As I was searching for artwork which appealed to my core values, I couldn't help but notice the beautiful waterfall in an outside exhibit. In that moment, I realized how detached I felt from man-made art compared to the nature God created. The waterfall was so moving to watch as it reminded me how beautiful and powerful God is. He is my source of core values - love, respect, hard work, etc. This moment by the waterfall reminded me how I want to use my life to live for Him.

"Street Scene, Market Place" by Jonas Lie, 1925

This painting took me back to what many of us consider "the good days." Looking at this picture from the 1920s, I thought of everything costing a few cents, children who were raised right, and a lack of the violent protests we see today. The good life theme it brings up is, "Seeking The Good Life," and it seemed to say to me, "well what are you going to do about it?" Instead of calling these times "the good days," why not bring them back? It made the idea of "seeking the good life" real to me. If I want children raised right, I have to do so when I have kids one day. If I don't want protest, I need to spread love.

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