William Sutherland's photos with the keyword: Choose Joy

73F Starry Summer Day

27 May 2021 47 44 419
Mamaroneck, NY Created from discarded piping, hundreds of tiny pieces of broken glass, a discarded board, and metal hasp. The swirls represent the “perfect turbulence” often depicted by Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) even if it goes unnoticed during bright summer days where different retreats (e.g. beaches, cafés, etc.) serve as safe spaces and oases of serenity, disconnected from the chaotic affairs of this 21st century world. The discarded plastic pipes with minimal paint splatter represent these oases of calm. Even the labeled 73°F mild temperature represents this comfortable calm. Likewise, as such turbulence can go unnoticed, one also cannot see the stars (except for the sun) nor distant celestial bodies (except for the moon) when peering into the bright summer sky. Yet they are there! The dark blue splotches serve as a reminder they will be visible when darkness sets in while the abundance of tiny white space represents the countless stars that will re-appear. Hence the title, “73F Starry Summer Day.” In addition, the various colors – reds, greens, purples, greens, and yellows represent the joy of summer, which is captured by the smiling face. Life is what we make of it, regardless of challenges, adversity and the turbulent world we live in. Thus Choose Joy! It is refreshing, a lot healthier and more comforting than the alternative.