My son and I had a discussion this past week about the value of a liberal arts education and how unfortunate it is that it’s becoming more rare these days. Post high school education is seen as no more than a path to a career. I won’t get into all the reasons for that but I will say that I think there is much to be said for the study of the arts, even if it’s self-study as we are doing with the LWD Art Appreciation series.
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ART APPRECIATION
MAY 2023
POET
Ralph Waldo Emerson’s birthday was May 25, 1803 so I’ve chosen him for our May poet of the month. Emerson was an American poet, essayist and philosopher. Most famous for his essay, Self-Reliance, he also wrote many poems and challenged traditional thought as the chief spokesman for the Transcendentalist movement.
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Ralph Waldo Emerson
Poets.org: Ralph Waldo Emerson
ARTIST
In keeping with the May birthday theme, Mary Cassett is my choice for artist of the month. This American artist was born May 22, 1844 and lived most of her adult life in France.
Since Mother’s Day is coming up soon I have selected this book – Mothers and Children – for my study of Cassett.
France’s Forgotten Impressionist: The Art of Mary Cassett
COMPOSER
Johannes Brahms was born in Germany May 7, 1883. We all know his famous lullaby but I’m sure a number of his lovely waltzes will be familiar to you as well.
Here is a Spotify playlist of his music for us all to enjoy this month:
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This is the vinyl album I am adding to my collection this month:
Brahms: Violin Concerto (vinyl)
CLASSIC FILM
I’ve chosen “A Streetcar Named Desire” as our classic film for May. Our planned trip to New Orleans fell through so I figure I can at least enjoy a film set in the Crescent City.
It is currently streaming on HBO Max or you can purchase a copy here:
If you have any favorites to recommend for future Art Appreciation posts feel free to share in the comments!
LINKS TO PREVIOUS ART APPRECIATION POSTS…
January:
LWD Classic Film of the Month ~ Breakfast at Tiffany’s
LWD Artist of the Month ~ Manet
LWD Composer of the Month ~ Vivaldi
February:
LWD Classic Film of the Month ~ A Raisin in the Sun
LWD Poet of the Month ~ Langston Hughes
LWD Artist of the Month ~ Degas
LWD Composer of the Month ~ Chopin
March:
LWD Art Appreciation ~ March 2023
April:
LWD Art Appreciation ~ April 2023
Even if it mostly isn’t going beyond the contents of your posts for me, I love hearing about the artists of various kinds you’re appreciating each month. No matter how – or how much – you do it, I agree art should be appreciated in all its forms.
I’m glad to hear these posts have value for others. Even just being reminded to appreciate art where we can is helpful, I think.