When times get tough, one of the first things you'll hear is that the art budget is about to be cut or eliminated from schools. One of the other things you'll hear is that school programs that don't lead to jobs should be discontinued. WHAT?!!?!? Do we really want to live in a world that has no place for beauty?
Just ask someone where they plan to go for vacation. Will they tell you they're going to visit a computer chip factory or a steel mill? No! They will most likely be headed somewhere that is either scenic and beautiful - or home to mom and dad, where they expect to find love. These are places that feed the soul, not the bank account! And most of the time, you see photos and videos of these vacations afterwards, because people want to remember those moments of joy for as long as possible.
Isn't art that way, too? Don't we long for things that offer us respite from everyday stress and toil?
When I sit down to draw or paint, my mind takes an instant holiday. I am absorbed in what I'm putting on paper or canvas. There are decisions to make about design, color, tools, and more. But these decisions aren't typically stressful. Most of the time, they flow from my desire for beauty and peace. Truly, this is a time to "go with the flow."
The last 12-14 months have been a time of building my skills as an artist. Now, I find that I am looking at the world with very different eyes. And I long for more of the peace that I find in seeing beauty and love rather than what the world shouts at me to see. I know that I can't withdraw from the world entirely, but I always have a place I can go to refresh my soul. I hope you do, too!
Finally, I have a special guest today. His name around our house is James. I keep waiting for a small child to stop him at the grocery store to rattle off their Christmas list! He's been part of my life for nearly 43 years now. And I love him more every day!
NOTE: If I post only a little this month, that's because I'm drawing furiously behind the scenes for a Christmas gift! Only nine days to go, and this drawing is kicking my behind. It has fur and negative drawing, both of which are pretty tough! Stay tuned to see my drawings after Christmas.
I hope to see you soon. Stay tuned in 2025, when I plan to have some demonstration videos for you. Art in action!
Until then, may your holidays be filled with peace and joy! Take care.
