I knew it was beautiful up here, but I wasn't expecting to feel so nourished and re-inspired by the area. Meanwhile, I am eating better food, and less, and getting more sunshine, fresh air and exercise. I am no longer an inner city zombie!
The effect on my thinking allows for a greater scope and increased clarity. There is time and space to speculate, cogitate, bliss out. This is what every artist needs. Our work mirrors our perception. It's an expression and reflection of where we are at in our personal evolution. We make art not only for the enjoyment of the process but also as a tool to learn more about ourselves, the world and humanity. We are conduits, but also, scientists. We look at what we have made and consider it's origins and meanings on multiple levels. If we don't do it consciously, we do it subconsciously. We repeat this process over a lifetime. That is why it is so awe inspiring and educational to read books and study the artistic progression of favourite artists. Their tale is told in their work - and completely mirrors their life trajectory.
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I was thinking about what I was writing here, this afternoon, towards sunset as I headed off to a local poker game. Of course, I was taking in the beauty all around, just eating it up. What I was thinking was how writing these entries is a valuable addition to my art output. It offers an insight into my headspace on any given day. While at times the posts may, to me, seem any number of things including - a burden, trite, imbecilic, try hard, etc - in the long run I believe it is a discipline that will be worthy of my time and effort.
I truly do attempt to purvey what is going on for me in relation to my art and awareness, so I have an honest relationship with the process. I do not try and formulate an outcome or manufacture sentiiments in any way. I want to write my truth, as it appears, without judgement or edit. What can be more worthwhile? As humans, by the nature of the game, we are struggling entities. Anything that can help myself or others to come to terms with the process must be good. If a young artist is to read this in the future - like I have read the journals of the creative forebearers I admire - and find some grains of inspiration, consolation or acknowledgment then it has been a good thing.
And good things, true good things, are, all in all, rare. They should be celebrated with cheer and delight.