Walter Inglis Anderson (1903-1956) was a painter and writer who focused on the Mississippi Coast and Horn Island. He was educated at the Parsons Institute of Design in New York City and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. He created with pencil and watercolor, taking us with him on his frequent solitary times away from people, including his family. He was driven to discover beauty in nature without the overlays of generalizations and judgements which plague human seeing. We often let what we already know and have seen fade the viewing of what is right in front of us in any moment. We tend to discount more than pause and feast.

Walter Inglis Anderson is quoted as saying, “Everything I see is strange and new.”   This deep, clear seeing is captured in the Road to Oldfields, which he traveled often to visit his wife’s parents. The many muted colors of this work with lapis blue interruptions and the “fanciful” patterns of trees, bushes and road, might call us to a fresh view also. He believed in the transformative power of art with his views inspiring the eyes of others.

This man was driven to create at the expense of those driven to love him – his family members whom he left often to be a painter hermit. This is a story often written in the annals of families though, in this case, art was the pull.

We seem called to offer our forgiveness and then look again at the choices and accomplishments of this artist. Life seems filled with this rhythmic, sometimes desperate, challenge of forgiveness and healing.

Our prayers for these days of violence and hateful language might include this rhythm. A time in nature like this artist to heal and restore might be our silent offering.

Lord of beauty, wisdom and peace, please hear our prayers. Amen.  

In gratitude, faith and hope,