Universality

The universality of human souls is something that always impresses me. By this I mean that each human soul is a universe in itself. If this was expressed artistically in a portrait or dramatically in a play you would expect to see the living qualities brought out in line and color. But a sense of completeness is rarely present without a depiction of the flaws.

By universality I also mean that the universe is not complete without the sum total of all the different types of human being. And if you were to paint a true picture of the universe it would have to be composed of all the human souls, each one with its particular shades and tones, lines and flaws. I believe that right down to the physical universe we look at, with its nebulae and stars and spinning planets, nothing would be visible were it not for the universality of human nature.

But what is the type of the human itself? If there is a universe of many there is also a One. What is the nature of the single human type we all modelled on, and which we fall away from in all our imperfections? This is where the artist constantly strives for the ideal and fails. This is where I struggle for the best in my own life and always fall short. And this is also why the color of shame rises to the face. The One is the thing we can only capture in the drama of our imperfections, in the telling balance of color and line. The One is the single heart that beats in us, which becomes clear in tragedy and comedy, in the truthful artistic depiction. 'But the ideal I strive for knows my flaws and colors me despite my weak intent.'

Each soul is a universe and makes one too
by coloring the heavens with its tone.
And if I were a genius I would paint
the souls in their spheres and let them shine.
Ah! but flaws are there which make a painting
true, the likeness verifiable.
And flawless art will paint those too to make
a universe complete of shades and tones.


Jay

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