Growing older is a once in a lifetime experience. Annette Bezor, artist
Tretchikoff at work
Many of you might not know the significance of the painting of the lady with a blue face, that flashes on above.
What is it, who is it, what does it mean?
Yes there is a story, that a young South African beauty,who was walking her dog along Camps Bay beach in the early 50’s, when she was approached, by a young artist. In a few months she would be the model for this such painting, and thus was born- “Lady from Orient”, dated 1955. One of the best selling prints in history.
The artist, Vladimir Tretchikoff, the model, my mother.
Yes, ever since I can remember, I have always had this painting in my family’s lounge room. My mother didn’t really tell us too much about these times, but I think she was very proud of being involved in its creation. Many a time I have looked at it, how do I feel, what is the background, and such.
I have my own interpretations, just as many others do.
Years later, I was to attend a wonderful exhibition by Annette Bezor, an Adelaide based artist, famous for reinvention some of these iconic images, and also for paintings of women for over 30 years.
Serene and beautiful, Annette is just like her work.
It was quite interesting to hear from Annette, that she too has been intrigued by this painting. From the age of 10, Annette tells me she first happened to set eyes on this painting. Its mystery and ethereal beauty staying with her, and years later culminating in various modern versions, and popping into other paintings. Many paintings now have no background, just a large strong face, a strong woman, many are nudes, again they are strong confident women.
Talking about the interpretation of beauty, and the expression of ones inner ideals, I realized, we have much in common, Annette uses her paintbrush, I my various surgical tools.
The title of this blog,” Growing older is a once in a lifetime experience” is of a 1991 painting. It really struck a cord with me, as is the striking painting itself. A lady floating, on water, in space, face unsubmerged, is she leaving something behind, escaping? Entering a new time and place. Simply what is left behind, or what’s ahead doesn’t matter, but rather now is all that matters. Sadly not all of us have the chance to grow older, or atleast very old.
Making the most of our growing experience, is up to us. Each day our cells age, mercifully, it is not overnight.
So how do you want to age?
Come in to see how we can help.
