Thursday, 12 June 2014
Memorable meeting with jam on it
I met up with the fabulously charismatic author, film maker and painter yesterday - a man who writes those glossy guide books to stately homes and paints the most beautiful landscapes and portraits. We were chatting about television formats and ideas as I am constantly looking out for the next fresh TV face who has that elusive mix of authority, wit and articulate charm. But before we started business conversations he produced a selection of prints of his work (great visual anchor to his artistic side) and ... a wonderful pot of home made jam with a specially created label with a mini work of art on it. It said so much - over and above the gesture of personal gift-bestowing. Flavour, texture, energy, passion - all wrapped up in a small jar with a green gingham print lid.
We had a sparkling conversation that inspired great thoughts - evoked fabulous visual scenes and tantalised the tastebuds - calling on all senses.
Does what we give say as much about us as what we have to say? I'm having an interesting day mulling that one over - what do you think?
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Interesting post. I definitely think that when we give a gift we are saying a lot about ourselves, as I find I usually end giving something I would like myself. It's similar to looking through someone else's bookshelves - it's a great indicator of their personality, their interests and ambitions. Unfortunately with the rise of Kindle's and e-books, it's something that is less and less accurate an indicator.
ReplyDeleteOops - apologies for the misplaced apostrophe after Kindle :-)
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who always turns up with a potted plant - her thinking being that the longer it survives the more I remember her. Interesting psychology in that she obviously feels that if there's nothing to remind people of her visit, she'll fade in their memories. Not true of course, as she's beautiful, lively, funny, articulate. However, that's in our minds, not hers. Another couple I know arrive completely empty-handed which surprises me. They're both intelligent, emotionally mature people and they know that it's odd. They make a point of saying that if they're invited, it's the people who are invited not the gifts ... they have no worries about not being remembered and every confidence that their wit, entertainment and personalities are enough. Which, of course, they are.
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