Personal Aesthetics Essay
A personal essay concerning aesthetic experiences. |
I suspect that a personal sense of
aesthetics or beauty differs from individual
to individual, dependent upon that specific individual's life experiences.
There are numerous variables that weigh in on how an individual perceives the
world, the fate of birth, family, education, direct cultural surroundings, and
even specific memorable environments. When I stop to consider what is
aesthetically pleasing to me, I think of people. My relationships with and love
for the people in my life is the most beautiful phenomenon that I have experienced personally. This is less influenced by my cultural upbringing and more
influenced by observing how the understanding of Christ’s character has
directly manipulated and influenced the lives of many of my loved ones.
Recently, I have witnessed deep loss in my family. This morning, I attended the
funeral of my 32-year-old cousin in law, Jason. Who was and incredible husband,
brother, cousin, son and father. He had
a sense of being that was exceedingly genuine with just the perfect amount of
sarcastic humor. His wife, Katie, a wonderful, beautiful, life-loving woman is
my cousin, who I grew up with living just over the hill from my home in Newark,
Ohio.
Because this assignment falls within the same week of Jason’s incredibly sudden death, I am unable to simplify my thoughts to a 1-3 page paper about my favorite line work or color pallets. But rather, I hope to discuss within this assignment, the beauty of the love inspired relationships that have directly touched my life this week through multiple aesthetic experiences.
My personal sense of aesthetic meaning and value has undoubtedly evolved, and at an accelerated rate within the last week. Last night after calling hours, I witnessed Katie’s older brother Andy holding her in his arms, and telling her she had done a good job. I watched as this man comforted his little sister at the loss of her loving husband, Jason, who was also the father of their three beautiful children, a 6 year old boy and 3 year old twins. In just a moment, I was completely overwhelmed at the beauty and incomparable authenticity of mourning amongst a person you care for so deeply. And later, when my aunt cried into my arms wishing that she could take on the pain of losing a spouse on from her youngest child, I was again overwhelmed. While incredibly painful, the fact that my loved ones care so deeply for one another is nearly unbelievable. These relationships of mine have always been ones of ample love and laughter, but this week, they were filled with ample love and deep sadness. I have never experienced anything in my life that was so breathtakingly beautiful as my family and friend’s outward love for one another this week, especially toward Katie. Mourning together, crying together and praying together. The events leading to this week are undoubtedly horrible. Still, the outward care, support and love between human beings that I witnessed this weekend have been aesthetically astounding.
Because this assignment falls within the same week of Jason’s incredibly sudden death, I am unable to simplify my thoughts to a 1-3 page paper about my favorite line work or color pallets. But rather, I hope to discuss within this assignment, the beauty of the love inspired relationships that have directly touched my life this week through multiple aesthetic experiences.
My personal sense of aesthetic meaning and value has undoubtedly evolved, and at an accelerated rate within the last week. Last night after calling hours, I witnessed Katie’s older brother Andy holding her in his arms, and telling her she had done a good job. I watched as this man comforted his little sister at the loss of her loving husband, Jason, who was also the father of their three beautiful children, a 6 year old boy and 3 year old twins. In just a moment, I was completely overwhelmed at the beauty and incomparable authenticity of mourning amongst a person you care for so deeply. And later, when my aunt cried into my arms wishing that she could take on the pain of losing a spouse on from her youngest child, I was again overwhelmed. While incredibly painful, the fact that my loved ones care so deeply for one another is nearly unbelievable. These relationships of mine have always been ones of ample love and laughter, but this week, they were filled with ample love and deep sadness. I have never experienced anything in my life that was so breathtakingly beautiful as my family and friend’s outward love for one another this week, especially toward Katie. Mourning together, crying together and praying together. The events leading to this week are undoubtedly horrible. Still, the outward care, support and love between human beings that I witnessed this weekend have been aesthetically astounding.