This is a documentary about the relationship between a woman (the author), a painting that belonged to her grandmother and the woman who painted it. The author was able to track down and interview the 90-year old German artist who painted "The Girl at the Window." A painting that has been a fixture is the author's life as long as she could remember and her affection and respect for the artwork is obvious in this piece. Ursula, the artist, has a fascinating story to tell. While sometimes unable to paint because she had to work, painting is where her passion lay and to this day she is still a painter. I enjoyed this story thoroughly with its intimate, sometimes somber tone, its closeness to the subject. I also enjoyed the piano track (its sounds like a cloudy day) as it made me feel nearer to the subject.
This is the kind of story I like to listen to the on the radio. I love to learn about other people and their lives, and it's great to hear about people other than Americans, because they interest me as well. The piece does have a faint "This American Life" tone to it..of course sans the "America' part. I give this piece 4 stars.
A thoughtful, introspective view of the artistic spirit and how it impels those in which it resides. It provides insight into the artist's mind, the struggle between art and livelyhood, the creative process and how this is realized in the artist's work. Likewise it reveals how the work is regarded by the viewers and the ways they are affected. This is all laid down with World War II and contemporary history as a backdrop. Very patient and revealing.
Comments for RN Documentary: The Girl At The Window
This piece belongs to the series "RN Documentaries"
Produced by Anna Yeadell
Other pieces by Radio Netherlands Worldwide
Rating Summary
2 comments
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Posted on December 14, 2004 at 10:01 AM | Permalink
Review of RN Documentary: The Girl At The Window
This is a documentary about the relationship between a woman (the author), a painting that belonged to her grandmother and the woman who painted it. The author was able to track down and interview the 90-year old German artist who painted "The Girl at the Window." A painting that has been a fixture is the author's life as long as she could remember and her affection and respect for the artwork is obvious in this piece. Ursula, the artist, has a fascinating story to tell. While sometimes unable to paint because she had to work, painting is where her passion lay and to this day she is still a painter. I enjoyed this story thoroughly with its intimate, sometimes somber tone, its closeness to the subject. I also enjoyed the piano track (its sounds like a cloudy day) as it made me feel nearer to the subject.
This is the kind of story I like to listen to the on the radio. I love to learn about other people and their lives, and it's great to hear about people other than Americans, because they interest me as well. The piece does have a faint "This American Life" tone to it..of course sans the "America' part. I give this piece 4 stars.
Frank Paine
Posted on July 06, 2004 at 04:07 PM | Permalink
Review of RN Documentary: The Girl At The Window
A thoughtful, introspective view of the artistic spirit and how it impels those in which it resides. It provides insight into the artist's mind, the struggle between art and livelyhood, the creative process and how this is realized in the artist's work. Likewise it reveals how the work is regarded by the viewers and the ways they are affected. This is all laid down with World War II and contemporary history as a backdrop. Very patient and revealing.