I can't say that I understand everything you're trying to express. I'm more of a plumber than a philosopher. But perhaps this experience gets close.
My wife and I were vacationing on a Caribbean island. We met a couple who seemed nice and thought it would be fun to get together during the day. However, they had signed up for every activity the island offered. They asked what activities we were signed up for. When we said none, they expressed concern that we wouldn't see anything. I replied that we would see one thing that they would miss - the shadow of a palm tree crossing from one side of the beach to the other.
This is beautiful. You let the break become the opening, and then you find the same shape in Luria's shattered vessels, Rumi's cut reed, and Bagnoli opening the vase at the flaw instead of the mouth. That connection across all three is really well done. I love that you treat emptiness as a tool.
thank you so much. I am so glad that you enjoyed it, and this comment means the world to me. Indeed, I generally try to have an interdisciplinary approach to art.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read an article like this… a great amount of research must have gone into this essay, with so many works and references embedded in it. So many research rabbit holes to jump into now that I’ve finished reading it… thank you for writing this!
Eloquently written, a beautiful reveal. I have always been moved by the idea that art, history, mysticism, science, and memory coalesce. I have always felt they belong to one another, waiting for someone patient enough to notice. Your writing gently invites one to a new way of seeing.
Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Vittorio. Your approach, this wonderful combination of a brief but satisfying nod to past culture and the meaning we in the present can take from it, makes this a wholly delightful read. Storytelling at its best. You bring just the right amount of erudition to the subject, and write beautifully, showing us the lastingness of a lovely and useful form and how it can be an inspiration for what follows it. I love Marco Bagnoli's artwork and how he has used science, and philosophy, to inform his art.
Such an intriguing discussion about emptiness. As you note in this article, "emptiness" implies a container for the emptiness. The container must exist. Emptiness, then, is never truly empty.
The essay offers a poetic reminder that space is essential for appreciation, much like the plumber's palm tree shadow on the beach. It beautifully reframes emptiness and flaws not as losses, but as the necessary openings for experience and connection.
I can't say that I understand everything you're trying to express. I'm more of a plumber than a philosopher. But perhaps this experience gets close.
My wife and I were vacationing on a Caribbean island. We met a couple who seemed nice and thought it would be fun to get together during the day. However, they had signed up for every activity the island offered. They asked what activities we were signed up for. When we said none, they expressed concern that we wouldn't see anything. I replied that we would see one thing that they would miss - the shadow of a palm tree crossing from one side of the beach to the other.
This is exactly it.... the generating force of emptiness can be manifested in our daily lives.
thank you so much for sharing this story
This is beautiful. You let the break become the opening, and then you find the same shape in Luria's shattered vessels, Rumi's cut reed, and Bagnoli opening the vase at the flaw instead of the mouth. That connection across all three is really well done. I love that you treat emptiness as a tool.
Hi Kostia,
thank you so much. I am so glad that you enjoyed it, and this comment means the world to me. Indeed, I generally try to have an interdisciplinary approach to art.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read an article like this… a great amount of research must have gone into this essay, with so many works and references embedded in it. So many research rabbit holes to jump into now that I’ve finished reading it… thank you for writing this!
This means the world to me. Thank you so much.
Eloquently written, a beautiful reveal. I have always been moved by the idea that art, history, mysticism, science, and memory coalesce. I have always felt they belong to one another, waiting for someone patient enough to notice. Your writing gently invites one to a new way of seeing.
Hi David, this is so kind. I am very glad that this article gave you something you might have been looking for for some time.
high quality writing, calm and contemplative
Thank you so much
Beautifully written. Sometimes the most meaningful growth begins when we stop trying to become more and simply make space for what truly matters.
Thank you so much Alexander
Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Vittorio. Your approach, this wonderful combination of a brief but satisfying nod to past culture and the meaning we in the present can take from it, makes this a wholly delightful read. Storytelling at its best. You bring just the right amount of erudition to the subject, and write beautifully, showing us the lastingness of a lovely and useful form and how it can be an inspiration for what follows it. I love Marco Bagnoli's artwork and how he has used science, and philosophy, to inform his art.
Thank you so much Maureen. I really appreciate it. Yes, Marco Bagnoli is great!
This is beautifully written. I love how you turn emptiness into something almost sacred, not a lack, but a space waiting with its own quiet dignity
Thank you so much Santino
I will save this one and come back to it, time and again, for its precision and exhilarating beauty and the way it fires my imagination. Thank you.
Thank you so much Eva
Same
Such an intriguing discussion about emptiness. As you note in this article, "emptiness" implies a container for the emptiness. The container must exist. Emptiness, then, is never truly empty.
The essay offers a poetic reminder that space is essential for appreciation, much like the plumber's palm tree shadow on the beach. It beautifully reframes emptiness and flaws not as losses, but as the necessary openings for experience and connection.
とても美しい文章でした。 「愛の最初の行為は、一歩退くことだった」という一文が深く心に残りました。 私は日本で絵を描いていますが、絵画もまた、何かを表現するというより、空が現れるための「器」をつくる営みなのかもしれない、と考えながら読みました。 素敵なエッセイをありがとうございました。
This is a beautiful piece. My favorite in awhile.
Thank you so much
I was dying to read something like this! So glad I found you x
Hi Hansika,
Thank you so much. I am glad you enjoyed the article. Thank you so the support and for your time
Lovely metaphor of our bodies and to remember what is important.
Thank you
definitely will be recommending this!