Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Michel "Paints" Again
Submitted by my brother, Marty:
Sadly, it’s been a long while since my father has used his remarkable creative talents. Perhaps the saddest part of dealing with his illness thus far for us is that it has robbed dad of his desire and ability to create. At least that’s what we thought!
Last Sunday during our regular weekly visit with Pop, Jodi sat down with him and brought to the table a set of colorful, foam pieces. It was a large set of many brightly colored, foam pieces, all cut in different geometric shapes. It seems the colors, shapes and sizes stimulated Dad’s creative juices, as he sat with Jodi for an hour and half, carefully placing the pieces down on the table as if he was orchestrating one of his masterpieces of bygone days.
It was an amazing sight! He studied each piece as Jodi handed it to him, reviewed carefully its shape, size and color, before placing it down on the table in the just the right spot, so that it coincided with the ongoing creation unfolding before us on the table. There were times when he would place a piece, lean back in his chair to observe, then lean over and pick it up and place it somewhere else that he decided looked better.
There were a few occasions when Jodi would place a piece and Dad would say “that’s nice” or he would pick up the piece she had placed and place it elsewhere, where he thought it belonged. He stacked pieces according to size, he arranged pieces according to shape and the angles that were complimentary, and he matched pieces according to color. At the same time, he became more verbal as he continued to “paint”. His words were clear and his sentences, although brief, were understandable. And, true to form, they were instructional in nature, as he knew best where the pieces should be placed.
It was truly amazing to watch him study his canvas and create his masterpiece. The look in his eye, the words he spoke, the emphasis he placed on placing the pieces in the “correct” spot, and the sheer amount of time he remained focused on this single endeavor, was indeed quite moving for us. I have no doubt, in his mind’s eye he was at his drawing table in his studio working on another of so many works of art he has created in his lifetime. I must say, I was for a moment overwhelmed. I wish I could’ve kept the creation and hung it on my wall. Alas, all I have are the attached photos and a very wonderful memory.
Thank you, once again, Daisy. You are one of a kind and I love you. And I am certain my father does, too.
Just wanted to share this with you all.
Bye for now…
Labels: colors, foam shapes, Michel, painting
