The Why

Why do I create?

The simplest and easiest answer is that I want to bring beauty into the world. But I also want people to slow down and reflect on the moment. Can I cause that type of moment and transition in the busy pace of life? It depends on the person. Some will; some won’t and some will have a profound encounter. And I want to be able to feed the poor. One thousand lunches.

I could leave my explanation there however, I’d like to talk about my why’s a little more. Today in my artist’s group, we discussed how to make the best of our online presence. When I created my new website, there was a little blurb under each piece of art on every page. At one point, I looked at it and went…ohhhh, that’s too many words. I then proceeded to erase most of what I wrote. All people really care about is the name of the artwork, I reasoned with myself.

Evidently, that’s not so. People actually want to know about me.

So. How is it that I bring beauty into the world with my art? Oxford dictionary defines beauty as “a combination of qualities such as shape, color, or form (I say “and form”) that pleases the aesthetic senses.” By this definition, beauty is all the things I focus on while I create. And we could really get into the weeds of the word and demand to know who’s going to be the beauty arbiter? Would you be the one? Or should I? Or should we gain the services of an experienced expert in beauty? Coco Chanel perhaps? Or is Sukkha Citta the better qualified to make that choice? Questions will arise if we want to put a box around beauty. I chose to use my heart.

Which is why I feed the people living in tents. At this time, I feed twenty people lunches. I’ve visited the Tent Path enough times that I know people by name and they recognize me. A few have given me hugs. Some have said “God bless you.” Most have said “thank you.” Only one has refused the food. I don’t take photos of these people because I respect their place and privacy. Honestly, the first time I took lunch bags to the Tent Path, while walking to my Jeep, I cried. It took a few days to process how to become a bridge between our worlds. I can only make a difference when what I do is authentic. To have an intention to feed so many in theory is one thing.…to do it with sincere effort is another.

So that’s my why’s. Am I wise by expressing my why’s? I think so because it feels good to tell you. Thank you for listening.