In this episode I summarize and comment upon an article entitled “The Business Model Of The Non Profit Museum” which was written by the Sotheby’s Institute of Art and dated January 10, 2018. The article talks about revenue at museums such as fundraising, ticket sales, gift shops, etc. It discusses what normally brings in money and what does not. Many illuminating facts and figures are given. My Art History education at the University of Vermont in Burlington lacked any information on how museums actually operate so I found the article to be extremely interesting.

In this episode I discuss three different types of isolation and three different artists. I talk about Grandma Moses (1860-1961) who had no formal art training and a career that did not start to take off until her late 70’s. I delve into Hendrick Avercamp (1585-1634) who was probably deaf and mute from birth yet he had a brilliant and prolific career. I also discuss Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) and the geographic isolation of Japan prior to the 1900’s. Each of these artists used an interesting technique called “aerial perspective.” I talk about the definition of “aerial perspective” and I theorize about how isolation (of all three types) may have influenced that technique. Lastly, I talk about why I disagree with the labels of “Naive Art” or “Primitivism” which are oftentimes associated with Grandma Moses and I discuss the need for a new and more accurate descriptive category such as “Intuitive Art.”

This portrait is considered by many to be the greatest Impressionist portrait of all time. I compare this to “Las Meninas” by Diego Velázquez. I discuss the psychological and symbolic aspects of the painting. I also delve into the special technique used to create the painting.

I discuss the history and legend of Saint George and the Dragon. Baroque characteristics of the painting are highlighted. Several other “hunting” paintings are compared to this painting. I review a Bible passage that is likely related to the theme of this work. I am unsure who owns the copyright to this painting so I am choosing not to use an image of it in my program description. The Museo Del Prado dates this painting from 1606-1608. Varying dates are a common issue within the world of Art History.

I describe the Japanese art of Kintsugi (golden joinery) and I delve deep into the Japanese philosophy of Wabi (beauty in brokenness) and I talk about how it has transformed my life. I compare and contrast the philosophy of Wabi to the religion of Christianity. I quote a Leonard Cohen song to illustrate the concept of Wabi.

In this episode I delve into one of my all time favorite paintings - “Freedom Of Speech” by Norman Rockwell. I discuss the story behind the painting as well as the entire “Four Freedoms” series. *(Please be aware that I made a small mistake. The “Freedom Of Worship” painting was actually published in the Saturday Evening Post on February 27, 1943.)

In this episode I comment upon an article in The Maine Sunday Telegram by Bob Keyes entitled “Why You Can’t See Maine’s Most Iconic Painting.” This article was featured on the front page in the January 26, 2020 edition of the newspaper. I summarize the highlights of the article and I discuss my personal thoughts about the painting. I briefly discuss why museums remove paintings from display.

In this episode I discuss a piece of rock art called “The Running Horned Woman” that is located in Tassili n’ Ajjer, Algeria. This area was classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. I talk about the many interesting theories surrounding this work of art. Is this woman a deity? Is this a sacred ritual being performed? Is the woman near her feet holding a rainbow?

In this episode I discuss two new postage stamps issued by the United States Postal Service. The “Healing PTSD” stamp artwork symbolizes hope and healing. The artwork commemorating the 200th anniversary of Maine Statehood was done by Edward Hopper and it is entitled “Sea at Ogunquit.”

Art history inaccuracy from previous episode corrected.