Big Sur Calm 

Editor: This is “Big Sur Calm” by Eyvind Earle, painted using tempera. It gives me a feeling of quiet contemplation, like a peaceful gaze upon a distant world. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Calm is exactly right, it's the perfect title! Look at the geometry of the hills. It almost reminds me of musical notes gently cascading down the slope, a visual melody of sorts. The light dappling the landscape creates this sense of serenity, doesn’t it? A still moment, where the wind has paused to listen. Do you get that sense as well, that suspension of time? Editor: Absolutely. The repetition of the rounded shapes in the trees adds to the rhythm. I’m also drawn to the bears! They are just standing there, silhouetted on the hillside. Are they meant to add another layer to the feeling, or do they symbolize something more? Curator: Bears can symbolize strength, introspection... Even transformation. Maybe Earle felt a kinship with the solitary creatures, finding solace in nature just like them. Or maybe he just liked bears! The beauty of art, isn't it? Layers upon layers. Perhaps this 'Calm' is not just visual, but an inner state reflected outward. It whispers, doesn’t it? Editor: It really does. I was initially focused on the landscape, but now I see how the artist is also present. Thanks for guiding me through that! Curator: My pleasure! And who knows? Maybe next time we will see it differently again. It is an open ended question to explore.