Art and running
For some time I wanted to write something about my hobby, that is, about running on the art website. However I couldn`t find common point. Probably someone will say that nothing is easier: paint a runner, a picture from a marathon, a drawing of athlet`s facial grimace of suffering reaching the finish line. But that would be too easy. In addition, nothing will convey the dramaturgy of sporting competitions as well as a good photo or a film coverage.
There are sport-related motifs in art history. For example in ancient art, especially Greek, sculptures and painting on ceramics. They can also be found later.
Art and sport were much closer to each other for some time. In ancient times and even in modern times, art competitions accompanied the Olympic Games. The winners received Olympic medals. After the Olympic Games in London in 1948, they were abandoned. It was found that contemporary art is not measurable enough to indicate the winners and at the same time it was pointed out that the artists are professionals, which is unacceptable in the amateur Olympic idea. That is how it was justified.
I could write more about it, but I'm interested in something else. I am looking for something more personal: some common features, situations, moods, abilities, i.e. something more elusive.
Some time ago, the late painter and graphic artist, Franciszek Starowieyski said that one of his better students was a boy who participated in car rallies. He knew when to slow down and when to speed up. This gave him more confidence in drawing. I don't know, I haven't tried and I don`t think I will. It could result in disaster. Bearing in mind that Starowieyski was a master of self-creation and liked to give colours to the story, I'm not sure if this anecdote is real.
Interval training involves running hard for short periods followed by longer recovery periods. If you are a long distance running it is also good to know when to slow down and when to give your best. But what does it have in common with painting?
I am standing stand in front of a white rectangle, I have a certain idea, I thought everything over, just transfer it to the canvas. I'm trying to get rid of negative attitude . However, it is still present. The first brush stroke and "I' start running". It`s ok. It's good. I can do it. And so can I at the starting line of a half marathon. We never know what can happen while running. Everything is possibile.
Standing, or actually walking for hours before the easel is exhausting. However, when it comes to physical condition running is more demanding. Common point: in both cases you have to reach the finishing line. The difference: I can't train painting, I run in competitions all the time. I race against myself. And there is one more difference: when I`m standing in front of the canvas I can take a break to think what to do next. Sometimes it lasts a moment, sometimes for months. Meanwhile, I work at other paintings, and the one quietly waits in the corner until its turn.
At running events such longer breaks are impossible. It is a shame to admit but after the first loop on one of the more demanding half marathons, I was tempted by a bench.
Although since August 2015 I have run 47 half marathons, 30 "tens", several 5 km runs, I took part in several triathlon relay races (here, however, not a run but a bike), twice in duathlon, each competition is unknown. The only sure things are start and finish. Anything can happen between these points. Just like at work: from the start in front of a white canvas to the finish when the painting is finished.
Everything we do in life affects us, our awareness and perception of the world. Jogging also influences us.
Art and running, painting and running. Compilation of such different areas is not as impossible as it seemed to be at the beginning of this blog. There are still a lot unsolved misteries, but I will reflect on them in front of the white canvas.
Comments
Post a Comment