Hands Full of Art

Hands are impressive.  In part, of course, because they help set us apart as humans, opposable thumbs and all that.  But it is what we can do with our hands that is truly wondrous. 

For one thing, hands help us express ourselves.  Some of us cannot really even talk without using our hands.  But even gestures alone can convey so much: thumbs up (or down), applause or wiggly fingers, hello or goodbye waves, okay signs, finger to lips shushing, stop (in the name of love), peace or victory sign, come hither finger curl, slap on the back, the universal you-are-crazy finger circle, the finger point, even giving someone the finger!  Of course, there is also the complexity and beauty of American Sign Language.

Then there are the more interactive options.  Although not exclusive to the use of hands, with our hands we can knead dough, bake pies, hold babies, give hugs and back rubs, shift gears, load the dishwasher, change light bulbs, tickle someone, carry packages, hold open doors, pack suitcases, arrange flowers, pinch a cheek, throw (or catch) wedding bouquets, tie shoelaces, open a coke can or beer bottle, juggle, play cards, change channels with the remote.  Obviously the list could go on and on!  There is even a famous Seinfeld episode that speculates how long someone can go without using hands in a very personal specific way! 

What fascinates me even more are the more creative tasks we put our hands to:  sketch, paint, sculpt, tickle the ivories, bang the drums, conduct a symphony, strum a guitar, play a harp, twirl batons, finger paint, write, doodle, to name a few.  But the real reason behind this entry is to showcase a truly unique artistic use of hands as the canvas for a work of art.  I have seen these wonders before but ran across them again today when I searched the web and thought I would share the following videos. 

The artist is Guido Daniele.  This first video shows part of his creative process as well as many finished products.  I think you will applaude once you see his work!

This second video shows even more of his creations with background music:  Elton John’s “Look Ma, No Hands.”  The artist’s copyright is super-imposed over each image, but you see past that pretty well to find the art.  I guess another use of hands is to steal images with the click of a finger.  Also, don’t hesitate to use your fingers to click away the stupid commercials that are being attached more and more onto the videos!

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In the absence of any other proof, the thumb alone would convince me of God’s existence.  Isaac Newton

Hold a true friend with both hands. Nigerian Proverb

 The fragrance always remains in the hand that gives the rose. Heda Bejar

You can’t shake hands with a clenched fist- Indira Gandhi

Remember, we all stumble, every one of us.  That’s why it’s a comfort to go hand-in-hand. Emily Kimbrough