naturalism vs. idealism.

in my art of the western world class we discussed works of art that were idealistic vs naturalistic. to demonstrate the stark difference between these two concepts, my professor said that naturalism is best compared to how you are when you first awake in the morning-- no make up, baggy sweat pants, your hair in a mess. it is an untainted and untouched idea, a beauty accomplished through its own flaws. (ex: see me in the photo to the right) idealism is you at your best, when you have showered, put on make up, have done your hair and look your finest. you take steps to cover up your own flaws, but the your own image is not lost in this representation. Both are realistic portrayals, but contain great differences. i recently started thinking about this concept, and what an integral role it plays in my life.
a close friend who I almost lost to my own foolish pride once said "there are those people I call my friends, and there are those who I have relationships with." Someone can be a friend simply on the surface, but relationships require a much deeper level of commitment. in the end these are the most rewarding. the best relationships are rooted in acceptance of one another when in our naturalistic state. trust develops with someone when you are vulnerable, all flaws exposed, and you are accepted even under these circumstances. When someone can accept the raw image of who you are, a relationship can grow. i consider it a privilege have the relationships that I do. there are a handful of relationships from home that fit this profile, which is amazing as they have stood the tests of time, distance, and adolescence. Similarly, the relationships I have at school are equally as amazing because these peers see me on an every day basis and still not only tolerate, but embrace the flaws that I have. they support and comfort me in times of sadness, anger, chaos, and confusion, and share in accomplishments, celebration, and overall happiness. And my family, who has gone through the ringer a time or 7, has loved me not just because of the blood related connection, but because of the unbreakable bonds we have developed as a unit. the relationship I have with my parents, and especially my sister, have never been ones of obligation, but rather have served as pillars of strength. there is great security in knowing that regardless of how difficult things get or who enters and exits my life, I have an incredible safety net, or better yet, support system the love me for *me* no matter where I go, no matter how much I can't stand the naturalistic view of myself. those who love you at your worst will take the sweetest share in your happiness. the sincerity behind these bonds will never ever be confused with surface friends, or those who are only there for you at their own convenience. those who come out to play during the roughest storms take greater enjoyment in the sunshine because they know the toll that is taken when the clouds come out.
as for Art of the Western World---if this is the only lesson I learn from it, it was worth every penny---you can't put a price on lessons that allow you to recognize just how incredible your every day life is.

-k.