art.of.a.rock

Category: philosophy

  • If You Like it and it’s good to you, Do It More

    Each one I make has me looking forward to the next. It’s fun to have one thing that you can do over and over again, see where it leads, what you can make of it. I enjoy seeing my work progress, so I suppose creating the same thing again and again is a good way to measure that, like making a self portrait each year. There’s lots of timeless good to just living, yet it’s the feeling of progress along with steady improvement at life that excites me most. Whether it’s the evolution of my studio, myself or my creative career, it feels important to consider how my actions today may shape my tomorrow. It can be as simple improving the organization in my apartment (like installing a new shelf), starting a new artwork, or doing something I haven’t done before.

    This type of thinking was in no way instilled in me from childhood, which is probably why it came on so strong late into my 20’s. Even though I got by, i essentially realized many aspects of my character were lacking. While I was able to excel in some regards, shards of an unguided childhood seeped to the surface. These are the things that define us, that we have to live with, yet we’re often too caught up in it all to do anything about, or even notice. I realized I would need to create new, healthy and exciting experiences to move forward into another paradigm of myself (I didn’t know it so concretely at the time, but am putting it into words now). It’s why I went to Japan to experience their culture and view life from a different lens. It’s why I went on a three month road trip; to get out of my clouded bubble, experience the natural world and meet others with uplifting/unique outlooks. I think when we’re starting out on a journey of self discovery, we will try anything and everything. The most tried and true method is to move far away from home and rediscover yourself one day at a time.

    Essentially, it’s interesting to think of the different paths life will take, depending on what we decide/decide not to do. Who our least and most ideal selves can be. Suppose, with each minute (my-noot) action, we may lean toward one or the other. If it excites you and will improve your character, why hold back? Money shouldn’t be an object; it’s one thing you can always get back.

    On my desk
    Scanned image
    Shading added in photoshop
    Final edits in procreate iPad

  • Right and Wrong

    There are certain ways I do life wrong, and certain way I do life right. It’s tough to balance it all, but these rights and wrongs make me me, and that’s who I’m thankful to be. Forgive myself for my shortcomings and understand that “who I am” is not such a big deal after all and I may only feel such a way because I’m the one who has to live with myself. Others really only get a glimpse into that, yet in contrast can form the full story from that glimpse alone. It’s not easy being me, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I write this because deep down I think a lot of people can relate. I don’t think it’s easy being anybody, but we’re all doing what we can. We know ourselves deeply and catch ourselves when something doesn’t seem right. Yet it’s hard to change. It’s hard to be the picture perfect version of a human being. Taking the absolute correct course of action in every instance? Good luck to ya. That’s why we simply do the next thing, and aim to do better tomorrow.

    I’ve done a decent amount of inner work, yet continue to notice patterns of a previous self. I’ve gained understanding and the ability to notice and take note, but all in all, I’m just gonna work hard, make more art, and spend quality time with those I love when I’m able to. I think with that, it’ll work out.

    What do you think?

    I still think back to simpler time… It was all just love and survival in the present place and moment. No clocks, no maps. Only your hands and the tools in front of you; family by your side. Artists made their own pigments and brushes, or traded with someone who did. I “miss” this time in a sense. Sure life is gifted in the 21st century, but I feel there is too much excess. Can you relate? Who knows, maybe I’m wrong in my ramblin 😆.

  • Guiding Light

    Why aren’t the youth taught how to deal and cope with the intensity/reality of life?

    I feel like the reason we do literally anything is just to survive the day, the hour, the second.

    There are millions of ways to reach temporary/long term satisfaction. Some good for us, some not.

    Does is matter what we are taught, or will we do what what we want know matter what?

    We can learn so much, either letting it be our guiding let or leave it behind in the darkness.

    Is there a basic formula for a life well-lived, or is it all the same? The spectrum of a healthy body and mind is all relative. What we see can alter the spectrum as new information arrives. There is no telling who’s got it better. All minds alien to each-other with no sense to compare.

    Be you, be true.