A Closer Look
In October 2023 I visited my Aunt who lives two Provinces away in British Columbia. It was our first time seeing each other since COVID began and when we get together, we always have a good time.
During this trip we drove to downtown Kelowna and visited the Hambleton Galleries.
When we arrived, we found the gallery in a strip mall between two other businesses; not your typical art gallery location. And this particular art gallery wasn’t a museum; it was a business with art for sale. Small pieces, big pieces, vibrant colors, beautiful scenes. I was very impressed.
As we walked around the gallery, admiring the art, something small caught my attention. Lying on a ledge were several miniature paintings (see picture above). The artist, whose name I do not recall, specialized in tiny art; so small you could lay them on the palm of your hand. The piece above was approximately 5” wide x 2” high.
Lying next to the art was a magnifying glass. The intent was for patrons to look at the paintings, and then re-examine them using the magnifying glass. I did exactly that and was amazed at the detail I saw when my vision was improved (see picture on page 2). For example, without the magnifying glass I couldn’t see the detail in the tall grasses at the front of the scene, but with it I could see much better. By holding up the magnifying glass I was able to see details in the painting that I could not have seen otherwise.
In order for me to fully appreciate the art I needed to take a closer look and I needed the magnifying glass to help me see better.
When we look at a piece of art, we examine it for a moment and decide whether or not we like it. Our judgment is quick. Then we move on to the next one. But if we take a closer look, we may see something that we didn’t see at first glance.
Isn’t that a little like how life can be at times? Sometimes we may “see” something (for example, a person or a situation) and think we are seeing the whole picture, and we pass quick judgment. However, we might not be seeing everything at first glance and may need something to help us take a closer look. With improved vision, we may see something that we didn’t see at first. Sort of like Belle in Beauty and the Beast when she said of the Beast, “But now he’s dear and so unsure, I wonder why I didn’t see it there before.”
Is there something you need to take a closer look at?
What can help you improve your vision?
Recommended Resources
- Brightside Visual Exercise – “9 Things That Seem Normal Until You Take a Closer Look” - https://brightside.me/articles/11-things-that-seem-usual-until-you-take-a-closer-look-794683/
Monthly Challenge
- Think of a situation, past or present, that you felt you passed quick judgment on. Then pull out a mental “magnifying glass” and take another look at the situation. What might you see differently?