Art - an inspiration

​Should you ever visit Symphony Hall in Birmingham, I beg you to spare a few moments to view a piece of art that has inspired me. Enter the Symphony Hall building from Board Street, take a left-hand turn towards the bottom of the main staircase - there you will find an exquisite painting by Norman Perryman: The Mahler Experience. A magnificent painting that simply takes my breath away.
 
In November 2016, I contacted Perryman to express my appreciation and delight felt each time I stand before the piece. Imagine my surprise, when he replied saying that he was currently visiting Birmingham as the organisers had commissioned another piece of art from him. Would I like to meet to discuss the piece? There was no way, I was going to miss this opportunity.
 
I’d emailed him on a Sunday afternoon, he replied that evening by the following evening at 7:30pm – I was meeting the man himself. He is such a genuinely warm man, I felt I’d known him for a lifetime. We met in front of his beloved painting. Imagine my surprise when he asked me to explain his painting to him! So, I did. He was touched by my explanation and interpretation. We spoke at length about his motivations and talent – I didn’t want the moment to end. Eventually, my husband, who was also blown away by this man’s generosity, made me say goodbye.
 
So, should you ever pass by Symphony Hall, please visit and stand before The Mahler Experience – I hope you too can enjoy, celebrate and be inspired by this exquisite and passionate piece.