I was about to be promoted, but suddenly our company was taken by new management. For reasons unknown to me our new manager disliked me from the very first conversation.
Certainly as far as work was concerned, he could not fault me. However, we struggled to find common ground nevertheless, and after a few months of him starting, I pretty much dismissed any chances of progressing in the firm. Thank goodness I didn't do anything hasty as whoever would have thought that we would eventually find a mutual interest, and not even regarding work, but ? paintings.
Soon after my boss started working at the firm, major repairs were carried out on the building. Our offices were transformed in front of our very eyes. The tired old wallpaper and fusty paint were replaced with stylish, contemporary interiors; the whole office became stylish and ultra modern. That said, it still lacked paintings on the walls to give our eyes a welcome rest from staring at the computer screens all day. Sadly, the old still life that I had hanging on my wall didn't really suit the general ambience of the contemporary style, so some kind people advised me to go and look for some abstract paintings, as they went really well with any interior. After consulting with the shopkeeper at the art gallery, I quickly found several abstract paintings to hang on my office walls.
One sunny morning my manager came to my work desk. When he saw the paintings he stood staring at them for ages and finally said: - What's in this painting??
- It's a bird, I said. - A symbol of freedom, happiness and inner liberty.
- Is that so? He exclaimed. - And what about this one?
Well, one thing led to another and we found ourselves sitting in a cafeteria, discussing the benefits of abstract paintings. It became clear that my manager had for some time considered which paintings to furnish his home with, but had not yet been able to decide.
- Why don't you try some abstraction paintings?? I said. These wonderful artworks will harmoniously intertwine in almost any style in your house. You seem like a modern chap and I expect you follow contemporary fashions. An abstract canvas would be so suitable for you.
- Wouldn't it confuse guests though? He asked me apprehensively.
- No of course not! I answered. - Exactly the opposite in fact, abstractionism is interesting because of its multifaceted style and symbolism; your guests would be really fascinated by what the paintings have to say. Like how you were interested in the paintings in my office.
Over the course of one lunch break, I managed to give my boss a comprehensive view about the harmony of abstraction paintings in the home. I told him about the multiple colours and how abstract art could be the focal and intriguing point of a room with its gentle tones. We talked about symbolism and discussed the merits of art-therapy where abstract art plays a very important role. I stressed the fact that an abstract canvas could add to any contemporary abode. To invigorate his soul and heart, I advised my boss to order a painting of any photograph and emphasised that its harmony would wonderfully complement contemporary-style living.
I can even say that we became friends since that conversation on art?. And after about a week I found an piece of paper lying on my desk.. It was a letter for a promotion!
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Lilia is a researcher and educator who shares unique ideas and useful tips. To read about visual art therapy and learn on investment in art at =>
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