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May 23, 2026, 1pm
$5
By Ruth Bieber
We have all heard the phrase, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. Metaphorically speaking, we can all relate to the truth inherent in this statement, but what about those of us who rely on verbal descriptions from others? As a blind art enthusiast, I continue to feel amazement at the diversity of perspectives regarding an artwork, or the nature of what constitutes beauty. In the end, I have come to learn that context plays a large role in our perspectives and ultimate opinions in life, and for that matter, in art. Further, we can rarely understand the full context of another person’s opinion. As an artist, I have sold many artworks, which are largely abstract, and been surprised at the reasons for the purchase. In one case, the colours in the piece were a perfect match for the buyer’s new bedroom. In another case, the artwork reminded the buyer of a treasured memory, which I as the artist could not have possibly known anything about. Many buyers love the texture of my art, as each piece is accessible to the sense of touch, as well as to the sense of sight. The art just feels interesting, or causes the viewer to feel something deep in her soul. I have written extensively about the power of art, and its contextual relationship in other writings, but for the moment join me in May for a talk and some firsthand demonstration at the McMillan Art Centre
May 23, 2026, 1pm
$5
By Ruth Bieber
We have all heard the phrase, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. Metaphorically speaking, we can all relate to the truth inherent in this statement, but what about those of us who rely on verbal descriptions from others? As a blind art enthusiast, I continue to feel amazement at the diversity of perspectives regarding an artwork, or the nature of what constitutes beauty. In the end, I have come to learn that context plays a large role in our perspectives and ultimate opinions in life, and for that matter, in art. Further, we can rarely understand the full context of another person’s opinion. As an artist, I have sold many artworks, which are largely abstract, and been surprised at the reasons for the purchase. In one case, the colours in the piece were a perfect match for the buyer’s new bedroom. In another case, the artwork reminded the buyer of a treasured memory, which I as the artist could not have possibly known anything about. Many buyers love the texture of my art, as each piece is accessible to the sense of touch, as well as to the sense of sight. The art just feels interesting, or causes the viewer to feel something deep in her soul. I have written extensively about the power of art, and its contextual relationship in other writings, but for the moment join me in May for a talk and some firsthand demonstration at the McMillan Art Centre