Different Yet Similar
Are you sensing something similar to what I’ve presented in this artwork? A very large gap between differences and similarities? A space between two people that seems permanent? An inability to reach across time and space to reconnect with someone who was special to us? A sense that the space is getting wider? An idea that life as we knew it is not likely to return in a familiar way? During this pandemic I believe we’ve all been forced to adjust and accept certain changes. And I believe we’ve also tried to retain and keep close to our hearts people, things, and experiences that we are not willing to let go of–ever. They hold too much meaning and are part of our souls. To let go would mean failure and giving up on something that matters most.
This painting is my thought of what it may look like to build a simple bridge. Even though it may seem too delicate or hard to see, its a start. A way to reconnect with another soul who’d like to be touched by an honest peaceful gesture of friendship. Especially when differences are known to both individuals. We should reach out to one another because we believe in individuals being just that. Individually absorbing life and times, choosing a point of view and forming opinions. I hope despite core differences, we can each find our core similarities. And use these to make our way back to civility and respect of all people.
Lesson learned: If a friendship is formed on foundation of respect, holding different viewpoints should not matter.
Ann Trainor Domingue art 
Ann, I love your painting! But I no longer believe the lesson you offer in itself. I believe it can be true, as long as one person’s opinions don’t cause or support the oppression or pain of others. If a friend’s opinion is harmful to me or my family, or even to others, then our bridge cannot be crossed. We choose our friends based on experiences, but also based on their morals. I long for a day when people will continually work to protect each other from hurt, as I know you do, as well. These are painful times, and your gentle reminder will help many bridge gaps less dramatic than some I’ve experienced this year.
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Thanks for reading my post Julia and offering your thoughts.
“Lesson learned: If a friendship is formed on foundation of respect, holding different viewpoints should not matter.” If a friendship is based on mutual respect then there won’t be a problem with holding different views and insightful conversations can be had by both people. But once being respectful of another’s opinion moves toward anger, physical or verbal abuse, then that’s where I’d draw a line and disconnect from that person until such time as they can be respectful again. There are different ways of maintaining a friendship and yes, these times challenge me to consider very different opinions. And I hope others will be sincerely willing to listen closely to opposite points of view.
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