Friday, September 06, 2013

Perception goes on all the time

 marble fragments from an imperial tomb, 13th-14th century, Istanbul

13th and 14th century marble fragments from Euphemia Martyrion, Istanbul
 a gravestone above, part of an arch below
Travelling is a rich experience.  I receive and respond to so much stimulation in a rush.
I perceive.
Agnes Martin says that perception is the primary experience and that we continue to do it, even when we are asleep.

I packed Agnes Martin's book of writings for this trip to Turkey.  3rd time reading it.

If you do what you want to do and what you can do
and if you can then recognize it
you will be contented.
You cannnot know what it will be 
but looking back you will not be surprised
at what you have done.   Agnes Martin

All images are from the Archeology Museum in Istanbul. 

12 comments:

jude said...

i will be there soon. to be staying on a small island off the coast of the city. i have seen some of these things in person. amazing history there. too bad, i had planned to be there around the same time, we could have shared some tea.

Judy Martin said...

tea in Istanbul is one of my favourite things to recall. Next time, Jude. xx

Unknown said...

I am so jealous. You must be enraptured.

Valerianna said...

Its been years since I was in Istanbul... such a rich and beautiful place. I went to Turkey many times during the years I lived in Greece. Just walking through the bazaar is such a feast for the senses. These remnants of architectural detail are lovely.

jeanne hewell-chambers said...

Don't suppose I'll ever find my way to Turkey, save through you and Jude. Though all photos are intriguing, I'm especially gobsmacked with the second one for what is hidden, lost.

Bethany Garner said...

Thank you for these images Judy. So inspiring and the neutral palette just says calm, serene and introspective.
Bethany

Judy Martin said...

I too was inspired by the calm look of these fragments. In the same museum were shelves and shelves of small objects from a thousand years ago or more. Made by hand.

I took photos of those shelves as well. Maybe I am thinking of a new way to work with three dimensions - with fragments - with little objects and ruined parts. Or maybe I am just letting it all sink in.

At any rate - after the colour and rush of the streets of Istanbul and the tile work and mosaics of the churches and palaces, these calm hand made relics gave me a sense of myself ...only larger.

I thought you might like to see them too.

xxx

Liz I. said...

Thank you for the reference to Agnes Martin. I've always loved her work and enjoy seeing her work resonate in your wonderful work.

Her book is out of print but it's at scribd.com for a small fee for those, like me, who'd like to read it.

Margaret said...

Thank you for sharing these beautiful sights. Photo #4 with the angled shards of stone, echoing the folds of the dress in photo #2...so very lovely, wistful, mysterious...

Amelia said...

love this quote and how the time worn quality of the remains become art-work in themselves :)

Montse Llamas said...

I was wondering where you find all of the Agnes' words you write here. I will look for this book.

sallgood said...

beautiful inspirations, both visual and verbal.