In the beginning…

Art was something I recognized, but I rarely took the time to feel the art. To let it give me peace or disturb me. I was busy thinking that life was only about getting the job done, raising a family, and surpassing my expectations for my achievements. I believe it is often referred to as ‘the rat race’ by many.

I certainly didn’t get any talent for art from my parents. Thinking back on my years of growing up, I only remember one picture of a flower hanging on one wall. We moved often because my father was in the Air Force, and that same picture moved around with us like a prerequisite. Before my parents passed away, I would show them a portrait I’d done, and all I ever got was a ‘ehhh’. I don’t think they ‘got’ art.

I could be all wrong. Memories are flittery things at best. Memories move things around, change results, and usually won’t tell you why you just came into a room. So, there is that.

I think I was around ten when I saw the bodyscape of a woman for the first time. That’s when I ‘felt’ art for the first time. The curves that came and went in the darkness were captivating. I never would have guessed in a gazillion years that I would be creating such art.

Being up here in the forest, where it is quiet all day and plenty of time to do whatever makes me happy, offers me plenty of time to edit new art. I’ve been spending a few hours every morning revisiting shoots from years ago and finding plenty to choose from.

I’m so blessed to have hundreds of wonderful shoots to choose from. I expect I could edit for the rest of my life just from what I’ve shot and stored over the years. Of course, I still have some years left to add more art if the models are willing. Frankly, I could have more years because I get to continue creating art.

Many of the images in this issue are from shoots I did years ago. And once again, I am very pleased with the new art, yet I should be upset that they have been here all along, just waiting for me to rediscover them. Some of the models have moved on, and some I still keep in touch with, mostly out of concern for their happiness and well-being.

The world is such that diving into art is something I wish on everyone. Being creative and making something that comes from your heart and mind is as essential as breathing. There is a reason why the arts are one of the first things authoritarian governments try to take away from people. It requires free thought and promotes individualism.

If you aren’t doing something that takes you down new paths of creativity or thinking, if only for a moment each day, then you are likely living how you are expected to live, not how you were designed to live. Coming up with new ideas can be immensely rewarding.

If you don’t have a refined talent, worry not; make art for your soul. Or sit back and read some poetry or view some art. This is a good start!

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“Be curious, not judgemental” - Walt Whittman

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