The whole culture is telling you to hurry, while art tells you to take your time. Always listen to the art. -Junot Diaz
Last night I started reading, Art as a Way by Frederick Franck – A Return to the Spiritual Roots.
He talks about how it wasn’t that long ago that an artist did not rate high on the crew-cut scale of American values. That they were seen as long-haired hippie types and you needed to protect your daughter from them.
And I still see this in the world at times. Though I try to only surround myself with those that are striving toward the heart of their art.
I imagine a world someday where art is the way. No longer will it be considered something one may do on the “side” or thoughts that someone couldn’t get a “real” job so they took up art instead.
I imagine it as weaved into the very core of who we are, integrated into every aspect of our lives.
I imagine that others will value it greatly and want in on it, too.
When creativity is a big part of my days its as if minutes and hours don’t exist. I never see or feel them tick by. I am just in the flow. Rather like nature – just being as I’m meant to be. Like I am right now writing this post, eager to talk about something I’m passionate about.
Though, in our culture I sometimes feel as if I’m swimming against the tide, not keeping up with the materialistic world. But wanting less so it does not weigh me down and yearning for more authentic experiences that light up my soul.
But I keep at it. Making choices that are right for me. Pushing away the naysayers and silently blessing them with peace.
And the thing is, art comes in so many forms. My husband, John, is a carpenter and a very good one at that, if I might add. But it is truly his art because it is weaved into the very nature of who he is. Most days he can hardly wait to get to his job site. This is a garden shed he built which is almost complete.
This morning I saw a photo that someone posted on a Facebook group I belong to called, Creative Group at Bedlam Farm. It is a group of people living creative lives with a wide range of artistic talents.
Justin Lynch, from the group, shared these pies he baked. Check out the decor on these! Now that is art!
And fiber artist, Maria Wulf from the group received a bag full of someone’s dresses and skirts they no longer want, and she is turning them into beautiful scarves.
When I see photos of someone’s art or listen to my husband talk about his art in the construction business, there is an undeniable feeling of joy that comes from the pictures and the thoughts being shared.
They are living from that place inside where peace and happiness reside – they are at the heart of their art.
And I imagine a world someday where more find that sweet, spiritual spot of existence and live from it so that it creates a wave of peace that washes over our world.
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