Poetic Pairing: March 2015

Thebes Ramesseum statues of Osiris c. 1870-75 New York Public Library Digital Catalogue

Ozymandias

I met a traveler from an antique land,

Who said, "Two vast and trunkless legs of stone

Stand in the desert. Near them, on the sand,

Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown,

And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command,

Tell that its sculptor well those passions read,

Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,

The hand that mocked them and the heart that fed:

And on the pedestal these words appear:

"My name is Ozymandias, Kind of Kinds."

Look on my works ye Mighty, and despair!

No thing beside remains. Round the decay

Of that Colossal Wreck, boundless and bare,

The lone and level sands stretch far away.

Percy Shelley

 

Some Inspiration to keep those New Years Resolutions going

Somehow we are already well into 2015, I do not know about anyone else but it seems to be flying by to me.

My new years resolutions, to take up a craft (for which I chose Crochet) and to budget more carefully are just about remaining on track.

However, I thought maybe we could all do with a little artistic inspiration to help keep our heads in the game. Here are the top 10 most popular new years resolutions and something to help motivate you to keep them through spring at the very least.

1. Spend more time with friends and family

The appearance of the artist family 1935 -1947 Chagall

How can you not be touched by the tender gesture of the artists hand on his chest as he takes a moment away from his work to look at those around him.

2. Fit in Fitness

Pick up a Discus or maybe just hit the gym or do a spot of Yoga

3. Tame the Bulge

It might not be asparagus season yet but if this Flemish still life doesn't tempt you to stick to the vegetables nothing will.

4. Quit Smoking

Frankly if you aren't smoking something as fantastic and elaborate as this pipe from the met what is the point anyway.

5.Enjoy life More

Why not pull up a swing and takes some inspiration from these folk.

6. Quit Drinking

After all who wants to go around dropping babies.

7. Get out of Debt

Money may not look quite as fabulous as these ancient coins from the British Museum but it is nice and shiny.

8. Learn Something New

Be inspired by Kader Attia's Jacob's Ladder work which was shown recently at Whitechapel gallery and pick up a book any book will do.

9. Help Others

In Van Gogh's Delacroix inspired work we see illustrated the classic story of the Good Samaritan.

10. Get Organised 

How could you not be organised with this coin case from the Met or this stunning desk from the Wallace collection. You might have to make do with one from Ikea but the idea is the same.