For the Love of Art

Today's service - "For the Love of Art" is conducted by two of our members, both Art lovers  - Janet and Peter Whitham. Janet, an artist since childhood  - talks about her love of painting, the joy of sharing her art amongst her family and friends and seeing it displayed in local restaurants and impromptu galleries that have sprung up to display the works of local artists such as herself.
Peter's contribution focuses on the inspirational, religious art of Renaissance Italy, that spanned two centuries. He reflects on the al-fresco and other masterpieces of  Giotto, Masaccio, Michaelangelo, del Castagno, Fra Angelico, Raffaello and Tintoretto - inspired by such biblical references as the temptation of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and the life of Jesus. Their works progressively elevate us from being mere "puppets" that reinforce religious dogma to reflect a growing, humanistic regard for us as "creatures of emotion and intellect".
Peter also focuses on the art of Northern Europe such as Jan van Eyck, Grunewald (Crucifixion) and Albrecht Dürer and reflects on the impact of viewing such masterpieces as Rembrandt's "The Night Watch" in the Rijksmuseum.
Listen to the reflections of these two Art Lovers  - one finding inspiration and joy in creating it - both drawing inspiration from it.