Art, The Visual Language of Metaphor
“A Tuscan Walk”
Oil, 14″ x 18″, $325
I teach Bible Study Methods, a class to help students understand the Bible. As part of this, we cover the use of figurative, metaphorical language in the Bible. I believe God was so intent on communicating with us through the holy, ancient Scriptures that he inspired the biblical writers to use even figurative language to do so. It is the way we naturally communicate. We use figures of speech because it is more interesting, more provocative, more memorable, powerful, entertaining. Figurative language is the language of exaggerated comparison. Figures of speech are not literally true, but they do communicate literal truth, often in a way that is even more accurate than straight forward literal language.
I also see a parallel truth when it comes to the visual arts, especially painting. Visual art should be to the eye what figurative language is to the ear. Painting is the visual language of exaggeration and comparison. That is why I choose not to paint in an entirely literal way. I believe painting in a more metaphorical, exaggerated way is more powerful, entertaining, interesting, and memorable–even more accurate. Thus, the approach of contemporary impressionism, colorism, and expressionism has more potential to communicate accurately a literal truth than just straight forward literal photographic realism.
When I paint I am concerned with making the image as authentic, plausible, believable, and “real” as possible. But I have no interest in making it just “realistic.” There is a difference between a painting being “real” versus “realistic.”
I admire those artists who can paint a subject with such realism that it is hard to tell the difference between the painting and a photograph of the subject. It takes great skill, persistence and patience to do so with excellence. But I have to wonder why? Why just make a photographic copy of a subject? If that is what you want then take a photograph with a camera! Furthermore, the way a camera/photograph depicts its subject is not really the way the human eye/brain sees things to being with! The skilled visual artist has learned to depict subjects in the way that the human eye/mind sees in real life.
What makes art art is that it is “interpreted” through the human being. And thus it is more “real” than a realistic photograph. It is an accomplishment and statement that no camera will ever be able to achieve.
Visaul art at its best is interpreted and presented through the heart, passion, and soul of the painter. I believe at its best it is a spiritual exercise! It is an expression of the artist’s deepest beliefs, passions, aspiration, hopes, dreams, core values! And thus it is a spiritual encounter with the viewer. This is why it is so important to know why you are painting a subject. That determines everyhting.
Thus, when we are painting a subject, making decisions about what to emphasize, what to edit or delete, what to exaggerate, what to downplay, etc., we are engaging in the visual exercise of metaphor. When we do so well we create works that communicate truth on a deeper and more accurate, “real” level.
When painting we should not be “held hostage” to a photograph or the actual subject, even when on-site, painting plein air. The photo or on-site subject is just reference to inform and influence our painting but not to take control of it!
Afterall, I believe this world is only a reflection of a more real realm. When we paint we do so “through a looking glass dimly…” We are peering into the other realm. Do so with joy, but also with reverence!
