“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!
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'.
The same has been true with me also. I just starting writing poetry 5 years ago and I find it immensely rewarding and soothing for my soul. I plan to continue onward as the “Poet-Provocateur”.
Wherever you're at, it's better to start and do (concerning the creative arts/crafts). One makes the road by walking it. (Aged 44, I gave up a nice academic post in order to pursue 'artistic expression' as my primary activity. 25 years later I haven't regretted it)
I retired five years early from my teaching job to write. Best thing I ever did - well, apart from from loving a certain woman who inspires much of what I do write. Really like your line, ''One makes the road by walking it.'
I think I picked up the line 'One makes the road by walking it' from one of the Brothers at the Taizé Community in France, back in the late 1970s. It's amazing how some things stick in your mind and become 'guides' for an entire lifetime. Of course a number of my grandmother's sayings (she lived to be 96) also stuck in my mind - and not all of them were helpful. :)
I love this piece. I have severe PTSD and intrusive thought episodes and I do believe that art can release my past experiences from my body and mind. Sometimes, I feel like I don’t know where to start but I know I just need to pick up the brush! Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece of writing 🙏🏻
"Sacred duty" Speak Truth as ice cold water to bring people back to their senses. To their minds. Their true identities To their consciousnesses. TO WAKE THEM UP.
“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!
Lovely concept of the "deification of existence." Thank you for sharing.
It takes several moments to reach that "awaken"
Perhaps we can make it quick to reach that certain level. However, it's not easy but it's worthy✨
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'.
The same has been true with me also. I just starting writing poetry 5 years ago and I find it immensely rewarding and soothing for my soul. I plan to continue onward as the “Poet-Provocateur”.
~ D. W. Orr Photo & Poetry
Maybe I will get better or maybe I won't but maybe I should have started sooner.
Wherever you're at, it's better to start and do (concerning the creative arts/crafts). One makes the road by walking it. (Aged 44, I gave up a nice academic post in order to pursue 'artistic expression' as my primary activity. 25 years later I haven't regretted it)
I retired five years early from my teaching job to write. Best thing I ever did - well, apart from from loving a certain woman who inspires much of what I do write. Really like your line, ''One makes the road by walking it.'
I think I picked up the line 'One makes the road by walking it' from one of the Brothers at the Taizé Community in France, back in the late 1970s. It's amazing how some things stick in your mind and become 'guides' for an entire lifetime. Of course a number of my grandmother's sayings (she lived to be 96) also stuck in my mind - and not all of them were helpful. :)
This one is, and it’s something I live by now, but couldn’t express as well as that. Thank you for putting it out there.
Keep it up
This gives me hope.
Amen
“Art is art. Everything else is everything else”
- Ad Reinhardt
Loved this one. Especially the quotes
I like this. But I also worry a bit about the ego of the artist personifying the mystery into glorifications of the self. I wonder how Dick Allen and other Zen artists respond to deification. https://www.rattle.com/knock-on-the-sky-and-listen-to-the-sound-by-dick-allen/
🤲
Fabulous condensation of all that creativity is. Loved this!
Thank you Erik. I appreciate your time to share these profound truths with us.
Now more than ever. Keep arting everyone!
Well, yes. Thanks for the reminder.
I love this piece. I have severe PTSD and intrusive thought episodes and I do believe that art can release my past experiences from my body and mind. Sometimes, I feel like I don’t know where to start but I know I just need to pick up the brush! Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece of writing 🙏🏻
Always love Picasso quotes—the purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls ✨
Cool perspective from your writing.
Maybe this should be the new definition of “woke” to strive towards.
"Sacred duty" Speak Truth as ice cold water to bring people back to their senses. To their minds. Their true identities To their consciousnesses. TO WAKE THEM UP.