Animated Evening – Wyeth Walk #49

A wonderful treat to hear Victoria Wyeth speak tonight about her uncle Jamie’s paintings at the Brandywine River Museum of Art.  She is so animated and engaging- we all were hanging on her every word, in turns laughing and crying.  She made us all feel like a part of the family.  What a gift she has!

Probably the most important thing she wanted to share about her uncle and grandfather (Andrew Wyeth) is that their paintings are their diaries- the art is simply a reflection of what was going on in their lives when they painted (so, forget any perceived symbolism, and just enjoy!).  Everything you’d ever want to know about them “are hanging on the walls” (in words of Andrew Wyeth).

I remember the first time I gave a solo piano recital of my original music- I felt so raw and vulnerable sharing my music, thinking everyone in the audience would immediately know all my inner secrets.  Over the years I’ve come to realize that the power of the music and what makes it okay for me to share is that it can act as a vehicle to help the listeners reflect on their own stories and lives.  Everything you’d ever need to know about me is in my music.  But, hopefully you can forget the symbolism and just enjoy…

March 19, Brandywine River Museum of Art