In this episode Luc and Kirk explored the idea of the role of a mentor in ones life. To what degree should we revere them? How personal does the relationship have to be? What value is there in a mentor? How can you be better mentor? What truly does a mentor do? How is a mentor different than a teacher? Luc shared a wonderful sculpture with all of us and Kirk chose a poem (stole might be a better word! From a talk by Lisa VanDamme, "Life Poetry and Keats.") This podcast is a conversation one that will certainly surprise you with the inherent truths in great works of art. You do not need to be a scholar to approach these podcasts. Luc and Kirk provide approachable ways to make art more meaningful in your life. Special thanks to: Lisa Vandamme for her reading of the poem. You can follow along with Lisa's literary readings and commentary on her Read with Me App. Painting Voice Recorders: Adriana Carlson - Author of the young adult novel Penelope and the Hob King Molly Johnson - Esteemed member of the Surprised by Art facebook group! Jake Rivas - of Jake of All Trades, a financial podcast for millennials
Below is the sculpture chosen by Luc Travers. We recommend that you take a moment and look at the painting for yourself.
Give it a title. Doesn't matter if you are correct. Just think, what is the first word that comes to mind first?
Then, give a literal description of everything in the painting.
In the show, we have various audience members doing exactly this, and if you listen to them this can help give you ideas on how to accomplish this investigation.
Lastly, interpretation. You can do your best on your own or listen to Luc and Kirk's exploration.
Ok here comes the painting! Remember: DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THE ARTIST'S NAME OR THE TITLE OF THE ARTWORK UNTIL AFTER YOU SEE THE PAINTING!
Jean-Baptiste Hugues (1849-1930) Oedipus at Colonos 1885
Here is another angle:
THE POEM:
Great Spirits
by John Keats
GREAT spirits now on earth are sojourning;
He of the cloud, the cataract, the lake,
Who on Helvellyn’s summit, wide awake,
Catches his freshness from Archangel’s wing;
He of the rose, the violet, the spring, 5
The social smile, the chain for Freedom’s sake:
And lo!—whose steadfastness would never take
A meaner sound than Raphael’s whispering.
And other spirits there are standing apart
Upon the forehead of the age to come; 10
These, these will give the world another heart
And other pulses. Hear ye not the hum
Of mighty workings in the human mart?
Listen awhile, ye nations, and be dumb.
Kirk shared a painting with Luc that was relevant to this poem:
