10 Conversation Topics To Create A Deep Connection

10 Conversation Topics to Create a Deep Connection

In my previous post about gatekeeping yourself, I outlined some conversation topics that make you seem open but actually reveal nothing important about your life and personality.

Sometimes, when you trust someone and want to build a deeper relationship with them, you want the opposite. Topics that reveal significant and personal information about your life tend to be more intimate and complex.

These topics are also more revealing. They can lead to deeper connections, but they also make you more vulnerable.

Sharing these details might give others deeper insight into your personality, values, and life circumstances. Here are some examples:

Family relationships: Discussing your relationships with family members, any family conflicts, or dynamics.

Financial situation: Talking about your income, debts, savings, or financial challenges.

Romantic relationships: Sharing details about your romantic life, relationship struggles, or future plans with a partner.

Health issues: Revealing personal or family health problems, mental health struggles, or past trauma.

Career challenges: Discussing difficulties or setbacks in your career, workplace conflicts, or future career plans.

Life goals and aspirations: Talking about your long-term goals, dreams, or the deeper reasons behind your choices in life.

Past failures or regrets: Opening up about mistakes you've made, things you regret, or failures that have impacted you significantly.

Personal beliefs and values: Sharing your core beliefs, religious views, political opinions, or moral values, especially if they’re deeply personal or controversial.

Significant life events: Discussing events that have had a major impact on your life, such as a divorce, death of a loved one, or a life-changing decision.

Inner thoughts and feelings: Expressing your deepest fears, anxieties, hopes, or emotional struggles.

Be careful and use these topics wisely - share them only with people you trust and feel comfortable with.

Remember, when in doubt, always gatekeep yourself. 🥀✨❤️

why do you like the watteau painting? it's so different from the others you've posted

The Embarkation for Cythera ("L'embarquement pour Cythère") by Jean-Antoine Watteau

This is the eldest artwork in my guide about understanding artworks, so it has a more classical look than the others. The painter presented it in 1717.

I feel drawn to this painting for several reasons:

The island of Cythera - a real place - is most famously known in Greek mythology as the birthplace of Aphrodite/Venus, the goddess of love, beauty, and desire. You can spot a statue of the goddess on the right side of the painting.

The legend of Cythera has influenced Western art and literature. The island is often depicted in artworks that explore themes of love and beauty. In this painting, Cythera is portrayed as an idyllic paradise, a place of romantic longing and pleasure.

There's also a theory suggesting the people in the painting are leaving Cythera, not traveling to it.

I prefer this theory because the depicted environment gives romantic, ethereal vibes. On the left side of the painting, there's a golden boat half buried in the soil, indicating no one is in a hurry to leave because they are enjoying the sensuousness of the island.

stamps ✉️

awwww i just found out i have to do whats best for me even though it hurts a lot 👎👎👎👎👎

How to Understand an Artwork: A Brief Guide

I've recently read a book by a French author that promised to teach the reader how to understand a painting.

Art is my special interest. I keep up with contemporary art, attend art fairs etc. I've been to major and minor museums, galleries and churches in Europe and the US. But I feel that there's always room for improvement when it comes to understanding art.

The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living (1991) by Damien Hirst

I went through this heavy tome full of the author's own convoluted interpretations of artworks. The book taught me nothing about how to interpret and understand a painting on my own. But it did inspire me to create my own guidelines for reading works of art.

🦋 Why Bother Understanding Art?

Artworks are rich in meaning, symbolism, and emotion. Learning how to read them can enhance your appreciation and understanding of art and, consequently, life. This includes your own life.

The Embarkation for Cythera (1717) by Jean-Antoine Watteau

I find art an incredible place to seek answers to life's questions. I'll show you how you can do this too.

Additionally, this guide contains some of my favorite artworks, old and contemporary.

🦋 1. Observe the Artwork Closely

First Impression: Start by taking in the artwork as a whole. What is your immediate emotional response? What catches your eye first?

Details: Examine the piece in detail. Notice the colors, lines, shapes, textures, and composition. Pay attention to the focal point - where your eye is naturally drawn.

🦋 2. Identify the Subject Matter

Figurative vs. Abstract: Determine if the artwork is representational (depicting recognizable objects or scenes) or abstract (focusing on shapes, colors, and forms without representing something specific).

Iconography: Look for symbols, figures, or objects that might carry specific meanings. For example, a skull might symbolize mortality, while a dove often represents peace.

Lake George (1922–1922) by Georgia O'Keeffe

🦋 3. Consider the Composition

Balance and Symmetry: Notice if the composition is balanced or symmetrical. How do these elements affect the mood or message of the artwork?

Perspective and Space: Observe the use of space. Is there a clear foreground, middle ground, and background? Does the perspective create a sense of depth or flatness?

🦋 4. Analyze the Use of Color

Color Palette: Identify the dominant colors. Are they warm or cool, bright or muted?

Color Symbolism: Consider the emotional or symbolic meanings of colors. For instance, red can signify passion or danger, while blue might evoke calmness or melancholy.

🦋 5. Explore the Technique and Medium

Brushstrokes and Texture: Look at how the artist applied the paint or medium. Are the brushstrokes smooth or rough? What effect does the texture have on the artwork’s feel?

Medium: Consider the medium used: oil, watercolor, pencil, sculpture, etc. How does the medium influence the artwork’s appearance and impact?

🦋 6. Contextualize the Artwork

Artist's Background: Research the artist’s life, style, and the historical period in which the artwork was created. Understanding the artist’s intent and the era can provide valuable insights.

Cultural and Historical Context: Consider the cultural, social, or political context of the time. How might these factors have influenced the artwork?

The Parakeet and the Mermaid (1952) by Henri Matisse

🦋 7. Interpret the Meaning

Narrative: If the artwork tells a story, try to piece it together. What is happening in the scene? What might have happened before or after the moment depicted?

Themes and Messages: Reflect on the themes or messages the artwork conveys. Is it making a statement about society, human nature, or a personal experience?

🦋 8. Engage with Your Personal Response

Emotional Reaction: Pay attention to your emotional response. Art can evoke a range of feelings, from joy to discomfort. Your reaction is a key part of the interpretation.

Subjective Interpretation: Remember that interpretation can be personal. Your background, experiences, and emotions can influence how you read an artwork. There’s no single “correct” interpretation.

I Want My Time With You (2018) by Tracey Emin

🦋 9. Ask Questions

What does this artwork remind you of?

Why did the artist choose this subject or style?

How does this artwork make you feel, and why?

🦋 10. Discuss with Others

The most useful tip I have for you: Share your thoughts and interpretations with others. Discussing different perspectives can deepen your understanding and appreciation of the artwork.

Reading an artwork is both an intellectual and emotional exercise. It’s about connecting with the piece and the artist, finding meaning, and appreciating the craft.

The more you practice, the more fluent you’ll become in the language of art.

Angelina Jolie in British Vogue March 2021 by Craig McDean