...Homemade Rainbows...


Sunday, August 23, 2009

beautiful minds

I wonder can you imagine what it would be like to have a mind so vast and so incredibly open, active and eternally curious? A mind that was so completely compelled to theorise, create and invent?
I recently was lucky to spend some time admiring the machines crafted by Leonardo Da Vinci who's greatness seems matched only by his own benevolent beauty. Did you know he was a vegetarian?

I took pleasure in playing with friction, testing inertia, lifting weights and building a replica bridge that I must admit had me a little stuck momentarily despite having the larger version there to copy from.
I also stood in wonder as I faced *just some* of the results of this man's constant thinking and problem solving. The questions that must have rolled through his mind in a never ending stream... How does it? Why does it? How can I? What if I? What is it?

It truly excites me when I am reminded of such artists, thinkers, observers and creators as Da Vinci....though I think there are few if any that compare to our Italian friend, but nevertheless all messengers of something much bigger perhaps. The world is lucky to have them....just to remind us of how great the human mind can be and how much more we are capable of. It is beautiful don't you think?
Whose mind amazes you?
Here are a few that send me floating....
Andy Goldsworthy here and here
Dr Jill Bolte Taylor who through personal and ironic experience made an amazing discovery about the brain...and happens to be an incredible public speaker. She brings a tear to my eye every time.

5 comments:

Stephanie said...

I love the Jill Bolte Taylor TED talk. (I'm assumng that's what your're talking about, but maybe not.) So inspiring!!
We had the machines here in an exhibit, but I didn't go as I didn't think my (young) babes were ready.
Hopefully someday I'll get another chance!

A lovely post!

Madeline said...

That is an awesome exhibit. Quite a few years ago, I saw some of his drawings on exhibit in Italy. I was absolutely blown away. The beauty of the human mind is truly amazing. I'm also enamored with Andy Goldsworthy's work, and can't wait to check out the rest of the minds on your list.

Megan.K. said...

Oh I'm glad you got to see the show!
re; amazing minds - Goldsworthy definitely on my list too. So wonderful...

x

tea with lucy said...

I saw this, or a very similar exhibit here in Perth back in 1995. Such an amazing man.

Molly Betsy @ Star Cottage said...

Great post, great photos too! I would love to see an exhibit like that. That just blows me away.