Monday, August 22, 2011

You Shouldn’t Judge a Book by its Cover: Knowledge is Power

The value of something or someone is not always obvious from what we see on the surface, if we take the time to lay our judgment aside we may find that we ourselves won’t be defined by the knowledge that is assumed upon us.

Today, I read the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is celebrating its 400 yrs. of existence this year. 400 years, now that’s pretty old!

Even if the years have been kind, I am sure the KJV experienced its share of abuse, leaving only a resemblance to its once pristine origin. Having worn pages, maybe some discoloration snicks and scratches (just to name a few). But, you can’t judge a book by its cover, right. We all know the content inside represents priceless gold!

The [KJV] Bible has been known to change lives and help define individuals and their families. Giving them strength and hope for a better life, placing value in its content and not in the cover.

Abstract Art is often considered the cover to a good book. In order to see the meaning inside the image you have to look beyond the title itself. After the creation is birthed it is natural assumption to guess what the artist was thinking, because we only have our opinions to relay on. But when we are offered to take a deeper look inside of a creator’s mind, it becomes easier to describe the stroke of their brush.

Alfred Alexander Gockel’s talent is recognized by countless people around the world. Born into a creative family, Gockel had his first work published when he was eight years old. He was fascinated early on by the magic created gracefully by color on paper which increased his desire to view the world only through that medium. The way he describes his art through aesthetics and rhythm conveys the true nature of an innovator. His artistry and his creations are appreciated by many; however my appreciation grew when I was offered the opportunity to meet this World Renowned Artist.

On meeting Gockel, I fell for his personality and everything he created became more valuable to me. I now speak easily of his creations and the means behind his creating to anyone who would like to hear, since I believe in his talent and his drive to succeed. I also realize I find myself defending his nature to the naysayers who believe his abstract content or subject matter is not becoming of an artist. I reassure them that the pages of his life should not be defined by the cover of his book.

It is truly an honor and privilege to be able to see behind the scene to someone’s life. (Especially the ones we seem to judge without knowing.) It enables us to defend them at all cost, because we have insight into their personality.

But, what about the ones we don’t get a chance to meet? Is it fair to assume our opinions are significant since we have basic subject knowledge?

We are not all readers nor do we all get to see inside someone’s life. But when the opportunity arises take the time to open the book and read the content within the pages. If we do not, I fear we will remain ignorant to the beneficial part of living.

Because knowledge truly is power! And the cover is made to protect its content.

4 comments:

  1. I agree and it is something that we all have to fight against in ourselves, to look past what we see on the outside to what lays beneath the surface.

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  2. I like the last phrase here. Very simple and very true.

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  3. To be honest, it's very hard for me to understand and love abstract art. Too cold... You met the artist and opened his abstract art book for yourself. But I didn't :(. Do I have any chance to open this book and love its abstract content without meeting the artist?

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  4. Yes, Susan, I was very fortunate in meeting Mr. Gockel. But, I did like some of his works before we met, and now I love his works after our meeting... But, that is my story! Art is subjective, what I like someone else may not. So, maybe Abstract Art is not your thing, and that is OK... There are no rules on what we should and shouldn't like. That is our belief at Baterbys, you buy art because YOU like it...

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