Find yourself at WAM

Works of art speak to us in different ways; sometimes we find ourselves returning to the same piece over and over. Members of the WAM community tell us about their favorite works in the Museum’s collection.

Covered Tea Bowl with Design of Swimming Goldfish

Tucked away in a corner of the Chinese jade gallery is a small, unassuming bowl decorated with a charming goldfish design. Covered Tea Bowl with Design of Swimming Goldfish (Chinese, 1821 – 1850) is elegant and expertly crafted, but there is a whimsy in the colors and design that make it feel relatable and almost contemporary. The stylized fish, the delicate texture of the scalloped waves that shimmer under the light, the soft teal contrasting with orange—it’s all so satisfying. For me this little bowl represents an evolution in both my understanding of art and my relationship with the Museum. As a kid growing up in Worcester I mostly paid attention to the huge, dramatic paintings in the European galleries (basically the bigger the better!). Then in college at Holy Cross I had the opportunity to take art history courses that frequently held lectures at the Museum. These formative WAM visits helped me develop a roster of favorite artists, periods, and styles. After college I began another phase in my relationship with the Museum when I was lucky enough to start working here. Beginning as a gallery attendant and spending so much more time in the Museum, I learned to appreciate works I might previously have rushed past. Ceramics, furniture, and other decorative arts that previously held little appeal suddenly became fascinating to me. Finding such a love for this little porcelain bowl, amongst so much else at WAM, has changed my perspective on how I appreciate art and experience museums. Jack Gallagher lives in Worcester and is WAM’s Marketing Coordinator. He previously worked as a Gallery Attendant and Guest Services Representative.

Pictured above: Covered Tea Bowl with Design of Swimming Goldfish, Chinese, Jingdezhen, in Jiangxi province, Daoguang period (1821 – 1850) of the Qing dynasty (1644 –1911), porcelain with enamel decoration and incised ground over transparent glaze, Gift of Helen M. Fernald, 2008.51; Right: Claude Monet, Waterlilies, 1908, oil on canvas, 1910.26

Life is a Dream with Monet

Claude Monet’s distinct ability to simplify the most complex aspects of nature and provide a lens of fragility is remarkable. Often, I find his ability to do so unmatchable. Nestled in a corner of the European Wing of the Museum is one of the 250 versions of Monet’s visual interpretation of his passion for horticulture. A pond curated and built "for the pleasure of the eye and also for motifs to paint,” has become a centerpiece of my life. An obsession to capture the beauty of everyday life and see the same imagery with new eyes and new emotion has become the mantra with which I live my life. In a world of constant change, the beauty of nature remains untouchable. Fluctuating with seasons, the time of day, and the amount of light, Monet’s Waterlilies is a collection provoking its audience to reflect on the importance of life as it captures time through change, breathing both the concepts of life and death onto the canvas. A print version of the Museum’s Waterlilies from 1908 hangs on the wall of my office, providing me with a reminder to take a moment and reflect on the experiences of the day. I find myself sitting at my desk, with my eyes closed, retracing the short, flirtatious brushstrokes. This calming moment has settled itself into my routine as a means of meditation and a method I share with my children as they reimagine some of their own favorite WAM paintings. WAM Member Giselle Rivera-Flores lives in Worcester with her husband and three daughters.