LIGHTS by Bruce Munro

Last Friday, quite close to a week ago now, I went to my very first art exhibit of installation art at Cheekwood Mansion here in Nashville. It was amazing. What made it even better was that it was outside in the chilly autumn air. At night. It was pure magic.

I can easily say that Bruce Munro is one of my favorite artists now. He makes his art out of optic fibers and lights. I cannot wrap my brain around it, but I am so inspired. I was completely in awe that night. I felt like I was wandering through Wonderland, what with the glowing structures that looked like a field of enchanted flowers, flashing teepees, and a moon that landed on earth. Suddenly, I was walking through Wonderland into Baz Lurhhman's adpation of The Great Gatsby. The lights continued into the mansion on the grounds, which was built in the twenties I believe. With all of the people crowding around and flowing through the doors, I felt like I was at one of Gatsby's infamous parties thrown for Daisy. I could feel his eyes coming from the top of the spiraling staircase as people went about admiring all of his fine things.

I visited that water tower musical maze twice. I was in love! These towers were made out of water bottles. They lit up and changed colors along with music playing from the inside, I believe. The colors changed according to how fast or slow the music was, which sounded like it belonged in some fairytale land or The Chronicles of Narnia movie. 

My phone doesn't even begin to capture how absolutely lovely all of this was. I had an evening filled with childlike wonder. It was just what I needed. I felt like I had been lacking something previously, inspiration-wise as well as motivation-wise. I have my days where I can't see my future clearly and I'm absolutely terrified of going after some of my dreams. It can be crippling. But Bruce Munro's exhibit seemed to awaken something within me. Perhaps it was my inner child, the little girl I once was who always held onto hope, didn't see anything as impossible, believed in fairies, and dreamed constantly. 

I urge you to go see Bruce Munro's work if you ever have the chance. If you're in the Nashville area, it will be continuing until November 8th at Cheekwood Mansion.