Weltschmerz (World Weariness)

Weltschmerz

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"Weltschmerz" - oil on yupo, 15.5 x 18.5 inches.  This item is unmounted and unframed.

Like most great words for elusive emotions, this one is German. It’s a portmanteau of welt (“world”) and schmerz (“pain”), and it describes the displeasure we feel when reality doesn’t live up to our ideals and expectations. It’s also distinct from our other downbeat emotions. Unlike angst, which focuses our dissatisfaction inward, or ennui, which makes us listless, weltschmerz can be as rousing as it is troubling. Not only can the world be better, it should be better. - KEVIN DICKINSON

World weariness.  Sigh.  The world should be better.  

That sentence says it all, right there.  It should be better.

And I don't personally hold the power to make it better.  Not in big ways, not in broad brushstrokes, not in grand gestures.  Nope, I am just one voice.

But I am one of many, MANY voices, which, if raised together, CAN make it better.  There is also the power to make things better on a micro scale - one kindness at a time.  One conversation at a time.  One tiny protest at a time.  

I believe making art during difficult times is itself an act of protest.  Creators who refuse to be stifled, muffled, robbed of joy and hutzpah can and often do instill a sense of daring in others.  They can reach across and say I see you​ with the work.  

Sam Yamauchi  ( www.samyamauchiart.com ) said it perfectly in a recent social media post - we need to keep the door to what can be open.

And Maria Popova, quoting the book Miss Leoparda, wrote shaken with disbelief but knowing that the most valiant way to complain is to create... OH!

I'd love to know what you're doing to complain valiantly, to open the door to what can be.  Leave a comment!

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​About the art:  beginning with a pristine piece of yupo, and setting down washes of thinned paint.  I added thicker layers, then carved back through with a small rubber wedge and let those layers dry thoroughly.  The layers allow some excellent textures and raised patterns, something yupo is very good at enabling.  An entirely intuitive piece, painted with rubber wedge, chopsticks, fingers and paper towels.  Responding to color against color, harsh lines against softness, darks against lights.  Allowing the upside-downiness of it (sky below, oppressive heaviness above) to remain.  This one moves me.

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