Does this image bring up any memories? Maybe if you have visited this lighstation on Whitelake Channel, it might remind you of seeing it. Maybe it reminds you of another lighthouse that you have seen, or something from a book or movie. There is even the possibility it stimulates something, but you can't put your finger on it or nothing at all.
Art can have a profound effect on peoples memories. Often times, a piece will can not only stimulate a time and place, but also a smell or a sound. The strong emotions tied to a moment can be brought up in an instant all because of looking at a piece of art.
That's a great power that artists have, to bring back memories whether good or bad, and it's a great responsibility. If we can't accept the responsibility of bringing up painful memories, even when it isn't our intention, it can drive an artist away from their work. We have to be willing to accept the good and bad that may come from our work. The picture above could cause some people pain because they had a loved one drown, whether near there or a similar place. I can accept that is a possibility. I can accept that another couple might experience joy because they got engaged or married there as well.
I recently posted this image and a friend of mine I'm just reconnecting with told me it reminded her of times she was at my house some nights and we were looking through my telescope. That one memory then started a flood of other childhood memories I have with this one person I've known most of my life. The good and bad ones.
So, next time you are looking at some art, or creating some art, think about what memories it brings about in you. People buy art because of the emotional connection to a piece so put some of yours into it.
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