Yesterday, January 25th we celebrated Burns night! Hard!
I hosted, friends gathered and we spent the joyful evening sharing the usual Scottish traditions.
Rather less than traditional was my hubby’s choice of sporran and my crocks! But as we addressed the haggis and raised many whiskey toasts we were all moved by the beauty and mastery of Burns' verse.
So as we recuperated today, I explored the man and his work, turns out there’s quite a lot us visual artists can learn from the bard. Here are few gems I gleaned from my sofa research.
Celebrate Everyday Life
Burns often found beauty and significance in ordinary people, moments and objects, as seen in his ode To a Mouse or A Red, Red Rose. We can similarly 'keep it simple' and find inspiration in the mundane, capturing the richness of everyday life. Vanessa Bell comes to mind - an artist who I've only recently discovered.
Embrace Humour and Humanity
Burns infused his works with humour, wit and empathy, connecting deeply with the human experience. I think that in many ways this is the job of the artist - to create work that resonates and engages viewers, whether it be in a lighthearted or profound way. It's this connection, I believe that binds art lovers and makers alike.
Speak Truth to Power
Burns was unafraid to critique societal norms and injustices, as seen in works like A Man’s a Man for That. As artists we can use our work to challenge authority, express injustice or provoke meaningful dialogue. From the Dadaists to the Surrealists artists have a history and, some would say a central role in asking the difficult questions of society!
Be Authentic
Burns wrote in the Scottish dialect, making Burns night all the more amusing when we attempt to read his work! But this was the language of his community rather than conforming to the more formal English style. Similarly we can stay true to our roots, culture and voice, rather than succumbing to trends or external pressures.
Find Joy in Nature
Like many artists, much of Burns' work reflects a deep connection with the natural world. Based on observation, experience and curiosity we can also draw inspiration from nature’s beauty and mystery to inform our creations.
Find the Universal in the Personal
Burns poems often dealt with personal experiences, yet their themes are timeless and universal. Exploring our own lives and emotions can help create works that resonate broadly with our viewers and provide satisfaction as an outlet for our own experiences.
Work with Passion and Purpose
Burns was deeply committed to his craft despite financial struggles, societal challenges and his many children (12)! The breadth and volume of his work is astounding for a man who died so young, at the age of 37. He was clearly gifted but talent alone cannot withstand the test of time as he has. I suspect he was extremely dedicated to creating work that truly matters to him, his nation and beyond.
Engage with Other Creatives
Burns actively mixed with other writers and thinkers of his time, embracing creative collaboration. Engaging with a creative community can be richly rewarding, expanding our skills, learning and inspiration. It can provide opportunity and support, but most importantly for me it has been a source of meaningful friendships and a whole heap of fun!!
Burns legacy not only gives us the excuse to share a joyful evening with friends, but it also reminds us to remain curious, bold and to be true to our vision, making work that speaks from the heart and, if we are fortunate, reaches out to others too.
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