Source: Heimarts
Unintended Interpretations
Art expresses our deepest emotions. A picture can speak a thousand words and is thus subject to several interpretations.
My painting above is a sample of comb painting. I used acrylic paint on canvas. It started out as an experiment with comb painting.
I tried to blend different colours: blue was blended with orange, red with black, pink with blue etc. I just focused on making circular movements with the comb and the mixture of colours. My goal was to create abstract art and not to paint any subject matter in particular.
Imagine my amazement when I sent pictures of the painting to my friends and almost all of them commented on how angry the bird looked! “Which bird?”, I asked incredulously. “Can’t you see the bird at the bottom left-hand side of the painting? The yellow bird with the red beak!”, they insistently replied.
Some of them even went on to say that they could see, not one but three birds! One at the top left-hand side of the painting (yellow bird with a red beak) and another yellow bird at the middle part of the right-hand side of the painting (without the red beak showing), in addition to the first bird.
Thus, I took a closer look at the painting. Wow! I could indeed see what they were talking about. I couldn’t believe my eyes! So had I indeed painted birds unknowingly? This was simply amazing! Perhaps that is the beauty of abstract art.
Another friend said that to him, the painting expressed the turmoil of human emotions such as anger, passion, excitement, joy, sadness, etc. Yet another friend said that the painting made her think of a bird preoccupied with feeding her young ones in the nest. In other words, it reminded her of the sacrifice of a mother’s love and the lengths to which a mother would go to nourish and protect her children.
I was happy to hear all these interpretations of my painting. I was also pleased to know that I could inspire such emotions in other people through a painting.
The unintended interpretation by others of my painting also got me thinking about the unintended consequences of our words and actions on others. Sometimes, we say or do something which, unintentionally, may hurt others or cause them to feel sad, depressed or inadequate. As such, our words and actions have a negative effect on them, although that may not have been our intention.
Amazing Damage Control Tactics
It is granted that we cannot always control how others will react to our words or actions. However, we can mitigate the negative effects of our words and actions by analyzing our words before speaking and our actions before acting. We can do so by using the Four Way Test of things we think, say or do. The principles of the Test are amazing damage control tactics.
The test was developed by the American, Herbert J. Taylor, in 1932. He came up with the test when faced with the challenge of saving a company from bankruptcy. His recovery plan began with changing the ethical climate of the company.
He believed that his first job was to develop policies for the company that would reflect the high ethics and morals that God would want in any business. He therefore prayed to God for a guide or ethical yardstick and came up with the Four-Way Test of things we think, say or do, which is as follows:
- Is it the truth?
- Is it fair to all concerned?
- Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
- Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
We can apply the principles of this Four Way Test as a standard against which we measure our behaviour and as a means of damage control. This will, in turn, mitigate any negative, unintended consequence of our words and actions on others. Our thoughts, words and actions will therefore edify and encourage others, rather than discourage them.
Well, it appears that one abstract painting has caused us to embark on an unintended philosophical journey as a result of the different interpretations that it presents. Cheers to the universal language of art!
Kindly let me know your views of the painting and how it makes you feel. If you paint too, kindly tell me what motivates you.
Would you like to try your hands at painting? You don’t need to be a professional artist in order to paint. Painting unleashes our creativity. Why don’t you check out this Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 50 Colors Acrylic Paint Set as shown below? As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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I like this thank you π
You’re most welcome π
All really good tactics, wonderful post!
Thanks so much π
I am loving the intro and how you dive deep into the inner world of imagination.
Thanks so much π
Very interesting. I love that four way test. What a great way to check in with yourself before you open your mouth. Wonderful painting by the way. I saw the bird immediately too!
Hahaha, it’s interesting to hear that you saw the bird immediately, too!
Yes, the Four Way test is a very helpful check on us!
I love your observations, very insightful! I’ve been surprised more than once by others interpretation of my abstract artwork, everyone sees it uniquely!
Yes, everyone has their own interpretation. It makes it very interesting π€
Very insightful and it makes a lot of sense. Well done and look forward to reading more articles.
Thanks so much! π
It’s interesting! I just showed this painting to my wife and she says she sees a woman holding her child. And I’m sure that depending on how you position the picture, there could be several other interpretations. Sometimes, you must let go of your need to put things into words and let the artwork take you somewhere… even lift you into higher spheres. I guess if we all understand the principles of abstraction and can appreciate others’ perspectives, our world would be better. Thank you, Heidi, for taking me into another realm
Yes, the different interpretations are really amazing! I guess that’s the beauty of abstract art. We don’t always need words. You’re most welcome π
Your paintings and writings give expression to a lot of thoughts within humanity.You need to start publishing an ebook.
Well noted, please. And thanks for the vote of confidence π
Lovely idea
Someone once said, “Your barometer determines your direction”. I had to look at the painting, many times, to appreciate the import of your message. Our interpretations are influenced by our perspectives. Everyone has got a special kind of story, as in ” different strokes”….Inspirational!
That’s so true! Our interpretations are indeed influenced by our perspectives. And we each have a unique story to tell. I’m glad you find this inspirational π
You have a wonderful gift, madam. I’ll be careful what I say and do around other people to avoid making them feel unhappy, depressed, or inadequate. Additionally, stay away from saying or doing anything that may make them feel bad. Thank you so much, Madam, for this excellent article.
Thanks for the compliment βΊοΈ. You’re most welcome!
An amazing piece!
Thanks so much π
Interesting piece.
Thanks π