By Beth Besen
They say a picture speaks a thousand words. Putting aside my love of language and disregarding that words are actually my modus operandi, I’d argue that, these days, a picture speaks multiples of thousands of words. In a world grown ever smaller, images cut across boundaries and cultures, connecting us to each other in ways that words simply cannot.
Nonetheless, words do continue to matter. People read for pleasure, and read to learn. From fiction to non-fiction, newspapers to magazines (like ours truly), old-fashioned printed books to e-books to books on CDs, words impact and shape our individual and concentric worlds and worldviews.
Perhaps, instead of either/or, we agree there’s a happy medium. We recognize that communication has always found balance between words and images. Of course, sometimes the balance is unsettling–I think about Rene Magritte’s famous painting of a pipe with the beguiling words Ceci n’est pas une pipe–but that, too, is a rather perfect reflection on what and how we process reality!
Interestingly, the great American artist Edward Hopper (born and raised in nearby Nyack) is quoted as noting, “If I could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint.” How lucky are we, and is the world of art, that he considered himself tongue-tied and picked up palette and brush!
Speaking of artistic brilliance, the upcoming 53rd Armonk Outdoor Art Show is a much-anticipated exhibition by and for art-lovers of all ages and diverse interests!
The scope of the talent is extraordinary, and we were especially delighted to have the opportunity to work with renowned artist and North Castle Parks and Recreation teacher Luis Perez on our exclusive cover design. You’ll definitely want to mark your calendars and plan to see what the huge buzz is all about!
You also won’t want to miss the tasty fun and frolic known as the Armonk Cider & Donut Festival. Check out our own story and pictures, and plan to join your friends and neighbors for this community-wide favorite autumn event.
Another celebration right around the corner–Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Jewish families here, and all over the world, come together every fall to reflect and renew. Inside Armonk offers a look at this historic religion and religious understanding and tolerance. We’ve put all politics aside for this very special feature, and hope you’ll find beauty in the shared Rabbis’ thoughtful comments.
Ever wondered why IBM’s arresting corporate slogan is the large word THINK!? We’ve got that covered, and a whole lot more about nearby neighbor Big Blue. And, while we’re on the subject of local business, don’t skip our Skip Beitzel article, but do plan to skip on down to town and congratulate this noteworthy Citizen of the Year!
Like experiencing art, how you engage with our magazine is up to you. There is no right way, there is only your way. Pressed for time? Flip through headlines and pictures for a glimpse of the greater whole. Or, take your time and savor a slow page-by-page read on a lazy end of summer day. Ever flip to the back of a book because you just can’t wait to see how a story ends? Well–spoiler alert–we’ve got a wonderfully inspirational Et Cetera end page by local motivational speaker Geri Mariano that easily justifies jumping ahead.
So, go for it, and enjoy! I hope something catches your eye. I hope something speaks to you. And I hope to see you at the Show…
