What happens when we choose to spend a long time looking at something with real attention?
As artists, we’re accustomed to slowing down, employing close observation and attention to detail. Now this approach, dubbed ‘slow looking’, is gaining traction in museums and art galleries such as the Tate. Around the world, people are being encouraged to ‘stare at art’ – for three hours in some cases!
Immersive, deep looking at art is even being encouraged as mental health therapy in Denmark. In an ever faster-paced world, it seems the artist’s skills of patience and presence are just what the doctor ordered.
Perhaps as part of this movement towards taking the time to observe, hand-stitching mementos of travel is becoming popular. Why buy a postcard when you can embroider a memory? In Elin Petronella’s beautiful new book, “Embroidery Wanderlust,” the author shares travel art and inspiration from her journeys around Europe. Some of our members may already be a few steps ahead…