When the turbulence of life threatens to overwhelm us, we often seek relief in our own, private refuge of calm and belonging. It might be a favourite place, or pastime; a treasured possession or cherished memory. Recently, we invited people to share with us something that brings them peace. We’ve used their words and reflections to create a series of brief, meditative films on the theme of finding balance and harmony. Watch the first of these films below, and read on to discover some more wisdom from one of history’s greatest painters… | | | “My point of healing is doing a quick sketch as part of my morning routine. It leaves me feeling great. I’m able to control my emotions better, without hopping too much in on the subject, which can be the trees, the flowers in my garden, or a seemingly usual corner of the house.” | | | Another artist who recognised the soothing power of art, and who took for his subject the quiet, everyday beauty of his immediate surroundings, was the Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer. A painting like The Little Street (1658), depicting a cobbled lane on an overcast afternoon in his native Delft, is saying, in its own language, that a quiet ordinary life can be enough. You can learn more about Vermeer, as well as 39 other soothing artists and photographers, in our latest book, Calm in 40 Images. | | | Follow us on social media: | | | |