' Wisdom In The Age of Information '

Wisdom In The Age of Information is a great article about the essential importance of story telling in the age of information. I think about this often, and because I have been in a 12 step program for 20 plus years, I have come to understand how story acts as a guidepost, to enable us to find our way along the path of life. Our experiences, strengths and hopes are shared with one another, though each story is different, as is each individual, nonetheless we relate to the feelings, and this is the way the program works.

As an artist I am passionate about story telling through what is referred to in this video as being symbol, metaphor and association.

The Power of Vulnerability

My close friend from University sent this YouTube link to me today. Brene Brown encapsulates so much insight, wisdom, and truth in her TED talk, on the power of vulnerability, that I had to share it. She talks about the importance of connection, a topic that is pertinent to everyone, regardless of who you are or whatever your vocation. I hope you take the time to watch. I'm certain you will find it to be very worthwhile, enlightening and maybe even life changing.

 " Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren't always comfortable, but they're never weakness. " - Brene Brown

Vulnerability and Being Whole Hearted At Work

Solstice

I recently found these words this song I had tucked away, by the Wyrd Sisters. The words sum up my feelings at this time of year.

 Solstice Carole

A Fire is burning
The long night draws near
All who need comfort
Are welcome here
We'll dance'neath the stars
And toast the past year
For the spirit of solstice
Is still  living here

We'll  count all our blessings
While the mother lays down
With the snow as her blanket
Covering the ground
Thanks to the mother
For the life that she brings

She'll wake us again in the spring

The poor and the hungry
The sick and the lost
These are our children
No matter what the cost
Come by the fire
The harvest to share
For the spirit of solstice
Is still living here

A fire is burning
The long night draws near
All who need comfort
Are welcome by here
We'll dance 'neath the stars
And toast the past year
For the spirit of solstice
Is still living here

The spirit of solstice
Is still living here

By The Wyrd Sisters


I have spent the last few weeks offline. Not by choice, but circumstance, always finding this is a time of deep reflection for me, especially in Winter. Not to say it can't be challenging and even difficult, as I live in a rather isolated rural community, and as of late due to in-climate weather have been often snowed in. It is a good thing I, for the most part enjoy my own company. But I am filled with gratitude for so many blessings.

As the New Year fast approaches, I've contemplated the losses, and events throughout the year. In particular I was struck by the deaths of  Maritime musicians, and beautiful human beings, Rita MacNiel, Stompin' Tom Conners, Rayleen Rankin and lastly the death of Nelson Mandela. When Nelson Mandela died, I listened  intently to so much coverage on CBC Radio about the man, and what an inspiring example he was. How of the power of the individual can help to contribute, to change in the world in spite of the odds and the obstacles. All these folks I've mentioned did the same in one way or another. It is what we are called to do on this earth I believe. To live as wise people through knowledge, contemplation, and reflection.

John Baldesari - Why Do We Make Art?

This week I listened to an interview on CBC that Eleanor Wachtel  On The Arts had with John Baldesari.

I heard it some time back and then again yesterday, then the repeat program late last night. Tonight I downloaded the podcast and listened even closer again.  Listening several times to this interview, I really began to get a feel for who this artist and man is. I think I am either a slow listener or a slow learner, and yes a little OCD!


John Baldesari had been invited to exhibit his work at NSCAD  back in 1971, the year before I became a student there, at the beginning of my art education, so unfortunately I missed him. 

He had the students write on the gallery walls "I will not make any more boring art".  He said he'd written this statement down in one of his journals, because he'd felt guilty about making boring art. Upon the completion of the work in the NSCAD gallery , he was rather shocked to see the whole gallery filled with writing on all the walls, with his statement from students who also were seemingly  making boring art. It was not what he was anticipating and it was a real awakening to him.

Truthfully, I did not know anything about him until I returned to University as a mature student, to complete my BFA at Mount Allison. Gratefully, I have now come to find out about John Baldessari and appreciate what a likeable, compelling person and artist he is. Genuine, honest a humble man, he has keen wit, great creative integrity, energy  and an insightful mind. Being a teacher for much of his career, he obviously must have been a great one.

He  really confirmed for me what I have believed about why it is many creative people make art. Firstly it's fun! He mentioned this more than once.

Spiritual nourishment he said, is what art gives to people and he had been given a gift and he really didn't know why, but he needed to the best artist he can be in order to  re-enchant people's vision as if they were seeing things in the world for the very first time, because human beings should not take things for granted. Indirectly art can change people's view he stated.

Considering he's upbringing, I think I would be correct in saying that art for him is a spiritual experience and as an artist he wants to help others and make the world a better place. It is a very simple message, and one that reflects I think, his sense of being an artist , as being his vocation.  His love for language, communication, words, reading, learning and knowledge were very evident having three libraries in his home.

Definitely the intellectual,but tempered by humble roots that he's not forgotten. Speaking of his father in a loving way, referring to him as a working man, and a "peasant" from the old country. He  attributed much of his creative sensibility to his mother who had a interest in reading and art.

Today as I was going through these bits and pieces of paper I am always collecting after writing down people's names, I want to find out about, artists, musicians, interesting people, places, things, books and words of wisdom I come across, I thought this quote was  a very fitting summation of what I have learned about John Baldesarri and the impression he  has made upon me. He often thinks of himself as a frustrated writer, who almost became a social worker and who unfortunately has been dubbed a conceptual artist he says.

"Knowledge is a beautiful thing, but the using of knowledge in a good way is what makes for wisdom.  Learning how to use knowledge in a sacred manner, that's wisdom to me.  And to me, that's what a true Elder is." Sun Bear, CHIPPEWA

John Baldesarri is not only a great artist, he is learned, knowledgeable and wise elder.

Discernment - Forks In The Road

I have come to love this word discernment. Looking for definitions I came across this site and the following resonates with me. As well I came across this blog about visionary blogging and discernment.

Discernment is the ability to grasp, comprehend, and evaluate clearly. It means we can see the true nature of things; it allows us to distinguish between what is real and what is imitation.

Discernment may begin with intuitive hunches and perceptiveness. With intuition as a starting point, the quality of discernment is built over time on honest observation, careful reasoning, and balanced application of our knowledge and principles. In a person who is highly discerning, intuition, emotion, and reason inform each other. As we grow in experience, our ability to discern usually grows stronger, providing us with insight that propels us toward greater wisdom.

By all means let's be open-minded, but not so open-minded that our brains drop out.

- Richard Dawkins