An old friend and mentor this past week, told me that he is getting into painting late in life.
He is reading a book, "Art as experience" which he recommended strongly. So, of course, I will add it to my list.
Art as EXPERIENCE... I thought. YES!
Now, the book and he were talking about ART meaning of the "you paint it" type.
But, ART is ART!
Through the years I have written...
"I am the author,
Life is my book,
My only work of art."
My life is my art - and I do so want to experience it.
And, for whatever reason, words are my medium. At least, for now.
I prefer the spoken word to the written word. NOTE: I prefer it because the spoken work usually means the present word with people in front of you... and I love to speak to people, with people which is an EXPERIENCE that is much more enjoyable IN FRONT of people ;-)
So, when I write, I write as I think...
I write, or at least I try to write, as I would speak...
That is why I use the dreaded three dots ... which grammar aficionados like to correct me on...
I write as I speak...
and, I speak as I think...
And, as I write and speak and think this morning...
I have you on my mind.
I seldom have a completely thought out concept before I start writing.
I have a general idea, and I explore it...
That is why sometimes I run into a thought that doesn't fully go to the end...
And, I jump back.
I don't like the word BLOG - because to me it sounds a little contrived. It sounds like it has hard edges. It sounds like it has a beginning and an end...
My words, my thoughts are part of an on-going conversation that I am having with myself about the concept of harmony, and the pursuit of happiness and success and a life of meaning.
The thoughts, like the occasional conversation may feel a little random... and I am ok with that.
I am convinced that all of our thoughts are interrelated, and that all of these words that I share are exploring a common concept... a common theme... a common truth that links all that is constructive and positive.
I was horrible at the French Horn. I couldn't call my music art - in almost any form.
I was pretty horrible at the guitar. It was a painful art to hear.
I can't really draw.
And, most who know me and love me say that I can't really sing.
And, none of those things seem to matter (even though part of me would love to express myself through music...)
My words... my thoughts...
They are my art.
I know that because I can't stop sharing them...
I know that because I don't care too much what anyone things about them...
They are mine...
They are my art... for me... and for anyone else who enjoys them...
I don't want to follow rules...
I don't want to make them perfect...
I don't want to make them for everyone...
And, as I write them... I hope that you feel them.
Each word, each post, each conversation is trying to carve a different part of my sculpture.
I am not saying that I am a great artist... I don't know that I am even a good one...
All I know is that these words are me...
They are what I strive for...
They are what I struggle with...
They are what I value...
These words are the expression of my being... I value them as they convey how I value life...
imperfectly, incompletely... but emotionally, rationally and persistently.
That is why I love you... for sharing my experience and my journey with me...
for sharing my life and my mind... and occasionally finding wisdom, or beauty, or agreement or inspiration... or even disagreement.
My words are my art...
My words are my experience...
And, through this conversation I hope...
You experience moments of harmony... and understand the difference.
Words as ART... ART as experience...
Experience as harmony...
Most gratefully,
Nestor