Christmas does not equal consumerism

Check out this video. As an artist I appreciate the creativity. As a human being the message resonates deeply. I have made a conscious effort this Christmas to give more to the poor and needy. Even with our economy in the state it is, I have been able to carve out more to give away and still not build debt (no credit cards!). There are plenty of ways to give. Be creative. 

Some of the things I've done are: I've partnered with a group of people at the office to adopt a family (through the Salvation Army)—we bought Christmas presents and food certificates for a family of seven; I've donated toward purchasing coal for an orphanage in China; I have filled gift boxes for my faith community's Laundry Love Project; I plan to help put together baskets for trafficking victims and build hygiene kits for the homeless with PATH. I don't share these to toot my horn (what an odd phrase that is). I do it to show there are things we can do locally and globally to effect positive change in the lives of others. I encourage you to find something that you can do for those in need.

 

Junky Car Club

Here's something unusual that I find pretty cool. It's an organization called the Junky Car Club. Sound intriguing? Essentially, it's a growing group of people that have given up driving nicer, upscale autos and purchased (hopefully reliable) beater cars. The money that would have been spent on excessive car payments, outrageous insurance rates and general upkeep is donated to the poor—in particular the mobile homeless (people who live in their cars). Their slogan is "Living with less so we can give more." I heard founder Mike Foster speak a couple of weeks ago and was very impressed. Who knew driving a crappy car could be a sign of social awareness.

The Junky Car Club is holding a rally this week in Costa Mesa, CA. It's on Saturday, December 6. Visit their website for more info. on the rally and the organization. FYI Mike mentioned that the Junky Car Club has worldwide membership and is apparently very big in Russia.

"Sin boldly"

Another book I've read recently is by Cathleen Falsani called "Sin Boldly." How's that for a provocative title?* It's a fabulous book and an easy read. Each chapter is essentially an essay about finding grace in unexpected places. Cathleen is the religion columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times.

The book has inspired me to look for hope in every situation, whether it be for me or for someone else. I've been learning how to really focus on grace for the moment rather than fixating on on the "why" questions we all face (a sure way to drive yourself and those around you crazy). I guess you could say I'm learning to live with the unanswered questions, even though it goes against everything I've been taught. Why must everything have an explanation? Is it a desire to control everything? I would rather live with the mystery (or even the mystical) than know everything.

Bottom line: The answer to "Why?" may come tomorrow or may never come, and I think I'm OK with that. Maybe that's what faith is really all about.

*"Sin boldly" actually comes from a quote by Protestant reformer Martin Luther. Falsani devotes a chapter in her book to discussing the quote and what Luther meant by it.

Been thinking a lot lately about how spirituality effects all aspects of our lives. It seems we rush headlong through our lives and relegate any thoughts of spirituality to Sunday mornings or maybe just the "religious seasons" of Easter and Christmas. I worry about what we miss. I'm not talking about the "do this don't do that" kind of spirituality or the "What would Jesus Do?" brand of churchianity. What I notice is the importance of finding worth (and worship if you will) in the little things—phone calls to loved ones, kind words to the checker at the grocery store, the smile of a stranger...

We all seem so disconnected. But in reality there are so many things throughout the day that can connect us with one another. If I truly believe in God and that I and everyone else has been created in his image, then I need to recognize that in each person I interact with. I should be able to value others for no other reason than they are a reflection of the creator. It's something I am still failing at, but continuing to work on. I know this may be straying a little from the topic of this blog, but once again I think all aspects of my life (relationships, career, creativity) are spiritual.

I've been influenced lately by an amazing book called "Divine Nobodies" by Jim Palmer. Look for it, it's well worth your time. It was released in 2006, so you'll probably not find it in your local bookstore, but it's easy to fine online.

Old vs. new

I just heard a news report about an art exhibit currently being held at the Palace of Versailles. The one man show features art by contemporary artist Jeff Koons. Koons is know for pieces that take pop culture to the extreme. I saw several of his pieces at LACMA and couldn't wipe the smile off my face. My favorite by far is a large silver inflatable rabbit—think Easter toy made to look as if it was made of mylar—carrot and all. There was also a giant plastic lobster and a life size replica of Michael Jackson and his chimp Bubbles (whatever happened to bubbles?) made out of white porcelain.

Apparently some of these pieces and others are residing for a time in the salons of the palace, and it seems some aren't happy about it. I personally think it's close to genius. Juxtaposing the over the top historical decor of the palace with the uber-contemporary Koons pieces is to say the least jarring. I love the comparison of what was a period of opulence for France's royalty with the common items of today Koons uses as inspiration. One person quoted on the news report said "Art is nothing if not an exchange of ideas." I agree. In this case the ideas cross not only borders, language and culture, they cross time.

Check out this link http://www.jeffkoonsversailles.com/fr/

It has to start somewhere

Here it is, my first actual blog. Hopefully my ramblings will be interesting to some of you and give pause to others to perhaps see things a little differently than you're accustomed to. 

Life as an artist can, as any artist will tell you, be both amazingly satisfying and crushingly frustrating. It's almost an allegory for life itself, isn't it. Who hasn't had periods of prolonged happiness (prolonged and be anything from an hour to weeks or months at a time) and then experienced loss or disappointment. The creative process is much like that. When you have an idea that is clear in your mind and you get it on paper, or canvas or the computer screen, all is well. But, when that same idea refuses to translate to the medium of choice and nothing you do comes to fruition life itself seems dark and hopeless.  

Yeah, I just reread that. A little too severe maybe, but that's the creative mindset. We tend to go to extremes pretty fast. 

So, now I have a forum in which to share success and frustrations, the light places, the grey places and the dark places. I may not always speak directly about art or the creative process but both will be in the background of these posts.