Deep Dive into My Relationship with Music and Art
Answers to Subhi Najar’s thought-provoking questions
- What is your favorite painting?
Argh! So hard to choose because it depends on my mood. But alright, one painting which I have loved since childhood is Mont Sainte-Victoire seen from Bellevue by Paul Cézanne.
It first got my attention because it captures the landscape, colours and light of Provence, Southern France, where I spent some wonderful family holidays.
I later included it in a dissertation I wrote while studying Art History at school, and it inspired me to sketch landscapes on my travels.
Cézanne painted this view from his room many times and I love the way different conditions highlight change and permanence.
2. Can you write a text of fewer than 50 words explaining your favorite painting (the one in question 1) the way you see it?
I love this painting for how it reflects nature using art. It feels real and natural, yet it is impressionistic and plays with form, patterns and colour. It feels light and playful and also powerful and lasting. It is a wonderful example of post impressionism and cubism.
3. Who is your favorite painter, and why?
Cézanne is one of my favourite painters, also Marc Chagall and many others…
4. What is your favorite song? What are the connections you have with it?
Another impossible choice! I’ll go with This is My Night by Chaka Khan because it always makes me burst into dance, and I love the empowering, liberating lyrics. What a voice and soulful interpretation too!
5. What is the song that takes you back to your childhood? Tell us more
Probably Dancing Queen by Abba — it reminds me of dancing with my dad — being lifted up or standing on his shoes then spinning around! I was about 6 or 7 years old at the time.
6. What is the song that takes you to the memories or/ and status of love? Tell us more.
Galaxy by Stephen Duffy, featuring Nigel Kennedy, was the last dance at our wedding — before we made a relatively early exit, both to avoid making a succession of goodbyes to departing guests and let them party late.
I love Stephen Duffy’s lyrics — they are so well-observed, honest and touching.
7. In songs, what is your primary focus: the lyrics or the melodies?
Both! I love to dance, so the melody and the beat are important, and can convey emotion, but the very best songs have deep lyrical meaning, too.
8. Is writing more similar to music or painting? Let us know your perspective
Hmm, painting, I think. But maybe that’s just because I usually create with both words and pictures, but I don’t write music.
I can use a pencil for both writing and art, and to express my ideas and feelings. I often combine the elements, illustrating my writing with sketches and diagrams.
9. Is writing your only creative way to express yourself? Do you sing, play music, paint, etc.?
I love being creative — it really makes me feel alive, and yet I still sometimes neglect it — I have to make time for it.
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron has really helped me do this with daily writing and regular “artist dates”.
I love to draw, paint, and sketch. Landscapes on my travels, and diagrams for workshops and courses.
I play the cello (not very well) — I am classically trained but rarely play sheet music these days. I enjoy holding down a bassline while my husband sings and plays the guitar.
I love to feel the emotions of music and express them through dance.
10. If your favorite song had a color, what would it be?
Purple.
It reflects the rich, velvety night sky and our potential and possibilities to shine in the universe!
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