Girl in Blue Blouse by Peter Falk

Many of us remember Peter Falk who recently died for his world-famous Columbo character. Falk was adept at both drama and comedy.

But did you know Peter was an accomplished artist, a fine draughtsman? In one of his roles, he played himself in the film, Wings of Desire, where he can be seen carrying his pad, sketching various people in the movie.

Peter Falk’s versatility of expression brings up a fine point, which I often make: an artist has no medium.

Thank you, Peter, for sharing your many talents with the world. Rest in peace.

Earth Guardians

Here’s a quote about embracing wholeness (the positive and negative) by an unknown source that often makes the rounds on the internet.

“Only when we can love hell will we find heaven.”

Does this make any sense to you? It would have been better to write: Only when we are aware of hell will we appreciate heaven.

It seems that the origin of this thought had been wrung dry of any grounding in reality or inspiration through the insidious politically correct extractor.

To feign a feeling, even for good intentions, still paves the way to you know where.

Here is my take on the duality of wholeness (there is no up without down) from An Artist Empowered:

To know heaven, you would have to know hell—and what pure, rare, and subtle colors would then grace your bold palette.

Amen, brothers and sisters.

Stonehedge Redux

Adapting, often on the fly, is a prerequisite for unleashing original work in art, or in any worthwhile endeavor.

From An Artist Empowered:

What happens when what you previously knew as being totally true suddenly becomes untrue? How do you handle such a revision of reality?

Your world can be turned inside out. Down is up and up is down. Can you accept the new standard, or do you wallow in the shallow remains of the old contradictory belief system? This is a fundamental issue you must confront—now would be a good time—in order to triumph over attachment and its palpable potential to defeat you.

Making a significant change in your perception of what is true demands discarding that which is familiar no matter what the cost, a process that is ultimately more liberating than psychologically traumatic. Everything of value comes at a price. And if you are aware, you will get what you pay for because you know the value of what you are acquiring.

To dismiss what you believed in the face of unequivocal and contradictory evidence is the enduring path of the brave artist.

What choice do you have?

Making the Cut

By midday in Santa Fe, things as nuisances, and some more serious, had already invaded my time and energy.

My haircut was long overdue. My cutter told me she’d be with other clients for at least an hour. I’d come back.

As I now had some time, I thought I’d try Java Joe’s, which was in the huge shopping center. Could they make a cappuccino the way I like it? The steamed milk must settle so it is creamy, not full of foam-like bubbles. This simple instruction eludes many a barista.

As I was entering the cafe, two men were leaving. One man turned to the other: “I can’t believe it—it’s been one thing after another. These problems are getting me down.”

There it was again. Another reminder to see beyond my own limited drama, to perceive events through awareness, not fearful ego.

Recall my object lesson: instead of being disappointed, say that’s revealing and lift yourself beyond the fray. When the problem seems overwhelming, remember that the problem is the teacher. The lesson is there; it is up to you to grasp it, as it is in the Zen tradition of learning.

With these perceptions you will triumph with gratitude, leaving any notion of victimhood in the dreary dust.

Java Joe’s passed the steamed milk test.

Waiting for Rorschach

This observation is relevant for both the artist and the art appreciator.

The artist may ask: What is the inherent value of my art?

The art appreciator may ask: Is this art or not?

But, what do these questions mean? How can you appreciate the end product without comprehending its creation?

How did that apple, chair, face, doggie, name your object, get onto the canvas? From what source did that abstract painting reveal itself? Was it a product of conceptualization and planning, or alchemy?

The answers to these questions unveil all—that is, if you have the fortitude to find the elusive curtain and see what’s behind it.