Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Martin Mc Carthy's avatar

“Art is the proper task of life." I totally agree with that statement, Erik, for what would life be without it?

Art is what gives expression to that higher part of ourselves that exists beyond materialism and all those little petty victories and hostilities that barely get us from day to day. Art shows us that there is more to life than we can possibly imagine! Perhaps even some sort of God!

So art is indeed "the deification of existence", but only if we awaken that part of ourselves that can do this!

Expand full comment
Ken Paul Rosenthal's avatar

I was hewn from the womb as an artist. Yet from childhood on through my entire life until 5 years ago, I was pulled off course by the lure of success as defined by capitalism, eg: acclaim, awards, an endless series of day jobs, adjunct teaching, the fruitless pursuit of tenure, and EGO. Since losing my last day job to the pandemic, my primary preoccupation is making art and I've never been more at peace. Fully immersing myself in making art is a fundamentally selfless act because I'm more tuned in to the creative source that binds as all. Making art is how I become the best version of my self and enrich the world with kindness and compassion.

Speaking of tuning in, Erik: you've really been on an extraordinary roll with your postings over the past couple of months. Today's is my latest 'all-time favorite'. Might you consider writing a book? Perhaps a collection of Poetic Outlaw posts that focus primarily on your own provocative writing? We would all cherish such a publication and I imagine the sales would help sustain your 'Proper Task of Life'.

Expand full comment
30 more comments...

No posts