A Long Year Behind Me: My Head and My Heart But Not My Hands is in Art

About a one year hiatus from the blog.  I haven't anguished over the blog contributions necessarily but I sense that I must have missed many opportunities for personal growth and insight as a result of not contributing to it. Many missed moments of failing to study, investigate, ponder, and share within the context of the daily contributions and doing art routinely. To some degree, I have lost myself and my way along the path I intended. But it has been a year of Duty. A return to Duty. And long hours to stay on watch and station. Sometimes with duty and responsibility one can get caught up and lose the sense of self within. A triggering event and a moment of epiphany can re-instill a need to return to core values and activities. I have the sense that my Mission is accomplished in my present assignment. It is time to return to the Mission stated in "Impressions from Idle Acres" in a new phoenix.

Imperatives and ideas and wishes have been building but not acted upon explicitly. A resetting of priorities may be required to re-calibrate to the Original Outlook. A redirecting of Life Force and Energy is coming. It comes from the still, small Inner Voice whispering its guidance.

There are two images to share today that reflect my feelings after this year's hiatus from Impressions and may portend the future as well.  "Winter's Discontent" depicts a solitary, dried corn husk amidst other fallen fruitless stalks located in an urban, curbside garden.

Original Photo: "Winters Discontent", Copyright James E. Martin 2014

The garden from which "Winter's Discontent" is taken seemed to be a feeble, half-hearted, but well-meaning attempt at balancing the modern life with a semblance of one of the basic values tantamount to the human endeavor. Growing one's own food is a basic value but, in this case, not in a quantity sufficient for annual survival and sustenance. This garden was a fleeting, false gesture. Perhaps it made one person feel good about their personal endeavor and there was some enjoyment of it. The photo was taken on an extremely frigid day with temperatures so low that it was startling to go outside and painful to remain outside. Taking the picture was awkward with bare hands to the camera controls. The depiction is after the fruitful harvest season of green, verdant opportunity in sunshine and rain and depicts the leftover remnants that remain in the cold, frigid season of days gone by. The opportunity for growth and nourishment is now past. Any kernels of well-being that remain are suitable for birds and field mice. If a new crop is to be sought, a new season and a new seeding is imperative. The Spring season of refreshing is near.

The second image is of "Winter's Urban Sunset" in the proximity of the garden and provides the feeling associated with the most recent leg of Duty's journey.

Original Photo: "Winter's Urban Sunset", Copyright James E. Martin 2014

Again, the setting of an old day in the urban environment with only the hint of a new dawn in the near term. The colors and layout of the sunset are captivating but only for a moment's enjoyment. Change is ever present and the enjoyable beautiful moment of Impression is momentary. The time is not yet here to know where the dawn will be seen from or what it will look like. And it will have to appear on a different horizon. One must turnaround in an opposite direction to see the dawn after the sunset.

My thought is to start a new blog with a new look that continues this self-taught artist's journey from "Idle Acres". Perhaps "Impressionism from the Journeyman" seems appropriate. This morning I hobble up and shakily move forward but with some measure of internal mental determination, perseverance, and fortitude. The Daily Walk continues.

Sadness: Part of the Journey

I have indirectly found out that Scott Lightfoot, a life mentor to me through his blog writings, has passed away after a long battle with cancer. I understand it to be this day in Ohio. I started this art blog because of him and gained a deeper understanding of my artistic endeavor and motivation because of his insight, feelings and expressions. We shared similar perspectives, experiences, and struggles in our Journey. Although I never met him personally, I think we were kindred spirits. I did have the opportunity to write some comments to him on his blog from time to time. I offered him one final dedication....apparently shortly before he entered a hospice. One of his best friends and an intermediary to me, Kristen Dukat, told me that she had the chance to ensure that Scott heard my final message to him through her kind intervention before his final rest. Thank you for sharing with him and for sharing to me, Kristen. My comments and letter to him below.

Scott Lightfoot: Artist , Influence, and Mentor
Courtesy of Kristen Dukat: A Time for Art

"Dear Scott, about 12-18 months ago, I came across your blog. It was about art, the quality of life, the meaning of life, unemployment, and daily living. It was about struggle. It also spoke strongly to the theme of what it meant to be a man. To be a provider. To make a difference in the world. To achieve. To make an impact. Many of those issues struck a chord with me during a year of unemployment as a middle aged man, potentially needing to redefine who I was or who I was to become. You are a great writer and in that sense, not just a graphical depicter of images, but a true artist.

Expressing your view of the world and sharing your perspective. Changing the views, perspectives, and values of others as a result of implanting images in their mind that affect how they live out their journey. You have changed the images in my mind not necessarily because of your graphical depictions in a media but because you have affected my worldview because of who you are as a person and what you have done with your artistic endeavor along your life's journey. As difficult as it appeared to be at times against your own true self, you opened yourself up to the world and revealed your innermost vulnerabilities. You have told the story of Everyman and Everywoman in the flow of Humanity. The weakness. The chaos. The search for meaning. The effect of the world against the individual. The seeming lack of control and influence over things that are larger than any of us alone. The deep need to have friends and family. How many artists have there been that perhaps sketched drawings or painted pictures but had no lasting impact upon humanity? They are also artists. But we start out only as practitioners of a skill. Perhaps we are fortunate enough to add some practitioner's knowledge. If we are committed, perhaps we gain experience. And perhaps one day, someone looks at what we have done and says we have ability. But is Art about Knowledge, Ability, Skill, and Experience. Perhaps. But the greatest artists have faced the Void and gone into a Realm where no timid soul has ventured before. Their bravery and bravado put the deep life experiences into their unique expression.

I am only one small witness about you and testimony for you across the country and this globe. I started a blog because of you. It is about Art, Daily Living, the Artistic Endeavor, the Journey, and reaching one's Unique Potential. It is about making an impact during our time here in the flesh. It is about asking the deep questions. Although I have returned to work in Boston, I see things differently now. I have a different balance towards my daily walk. I sketch on the commuter train and the subway. I take photos with a different view towards how they could be used in my artistic endeavor. So how is the world of art changing and what part have you played in today’s art? You have been part of the Daily Painting initiative. Art is a more "democratic" experience whereby many more people practice the craft. It is a movement. You have been a part of its early formulation. And perhaps it can be said that the daily artists influence others through their art and that they enjoy being appreciated. But perhaps you have shown it is more than that.

As you know, the truly great artists changed the world by affecting the worldview of others through their expression. And like the Olympic champions of old, we observe that the torch gets passed from generation to generation. But the Olympic endeavor message has similarities to the artistic endeavor, the triumph of humanity over the struggles of life, the noble message of pure things that are to be aspired and expressed rather than the base things, the physical/mental/emotional struggle to be the best, to reach one's unique potential, to leave a legacy, to get it right, to be remembered in the flow of humanity. We each have a part to play. I am part of your legacy. You have made a difference in my life and how I see the world and what I should do in my time remaining however long that should be. I also am preparing to pass the torch along the timeline of the artistic endeavor. But it is not just about art, is it? I am more sensitive to my frailties and my weaknesses. My limits are more known to me today. I am bounded and constrained. For me, much of your message is about how short a time we have here in this life. To surmise otherwise is a fool's errand. There is great wisdom about the human condition in your story, Scott. So I endeavor, in my small part to play on this stage, to pour myself and my life's experience into others. And may attempt to do just a little art along the way as one medium of expression. But the true artists have changed the world. Just as you did for me. Thank you. jim"

I bid him adieu and will carry on my Daily Walk one small step at a time.

To Age 100: Live Today Deliberately

When my third daughter was born at my age 50, I thought how wonderful it would be to live to age 100. To see how her life matured into age 50 would be quite a Journey. I understood that to some degree, I had to do certain activities like Art activities in the present working years instead of in some future planned retirement. What if I didn't make it to those years. We never know our own timeline. We can only live today, in the moment, and make the best of what today has to offer. That perspective changed my enduring view and my daily priorities.

After about 90 days in a new job, new company, new role-responsibility, I have been brainstorming about what my next year should be about occupationally. But avocationally, I also have been thinking about how my Artistic Endeavor should, will, or ought to inform my life's outlook.

So in Living the Moment this morning, a bearded character of distinctive visage was sitting at a cafe table scribing notes. The South Station timepiece was in the background. A setting for Father Time. The result fit my thoughts and perspective. This Art is Living the Moment. Perhaps it is Painting the Future.

Daily Sketch: To Age 100 - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

A Visitor in Need: What to Do in the Economy of Days?

In January 2012, I visited the Boston Museum of Art for the special Degas exhibit. I took the commuter rail in to the city and traversed the subway to and from my destination. I recall vividly a slender somewhat ragged and disheveled young man bursting onto the subway and expositing his story in a matter of fact manner to the travelers that day. He told of his troubles, he told of his weaknesses for drugs and trouble, he said he needed to raise money to go to a dependency counseling session, he described a significant injury to his hand and what had happened to him and that he needed medical assistance there as well. He had a goal to raise some money [less than $50] and described exactly to the penny how much he had towards his goal. Could anyone help him out, he asked? It happened so quickly that I didn't know what to make of it and I didnt have any cash in my pocket, and didn't want to pull out my wallet in the crowd....then he was gone...dashing out of the subway. I admired his courage, his imperative to speak, his straightforward approach. He was begging.

Two days ago, I was entering South Station on the commuter rail in the early morning. As we all got up to leave the car, the same young man walked down the aisle. $28.50 was the goal, he had $5. He told of his weaknesses. He explained how he was getting help. He shared his plan for that days activity to travel to a somewhat distant city that I knew for counseling and help. That he had an appointment. Could anyone help? I pulled $20 from my wallet and offered it to him. He was astonished and started to cry. It must not happen often. I asked him if he would meet his goal. He quickly replied about his remaining amount to achieve. I offered a few one dollar bills to fill the gap with an extra three dollars with a suggestion that I knew that $2.77 would purchase a Dunkin Donuts egg and cheese bagel...my normal breakfast fare. We walked off the train and talked for a few minutes. I asked his name. John, he replied. He was 29 years old. He had made some poor decisions in his life and had spent six years in prison. He told me of his wife...who was worse off than he was. He had an 11 year old son that he did not see much of but he wished it could be different. I asked him where he had slept the prior night. He said in an ATM booth. He had helped a non-English speaking man who was beating on the ATM machine because he couldn't get his money out through poor understanding of the language how use the ATM to get his money out early in the am. The man had given him the $5 to start his day.

I had only just met John. I could not determine if he was telling the truth or not. He talked of drugs. Of AIDS. His hands were craggy and dirty but showed the charcacter of his tribulations and his trials. He was slender, animated, but seemed to be purpose driven. I took only a few moments to talk with him of my life, my struggles recently about joblessness and then recent employment not to be compared to his journey, that I had met him before in January and remembered him, and that today, I had the money to offer him. I told him that I knew that my money that day would not solve his continuing need, that I would pray for him, for his plight required more than I could do in a moment. I don't tend to share my prayer life with others necessarily but this man affected me.

Just before parting ways, I realized I had two apples in my jacket pockets for the day, I offered them both to him. It was funny because he thought I was offering one or the other of his choice. He was a bit surprised that I would give him both. His need was greater that day and I would go without in remembrance of our meeting. So I pondered him throughout that day and the next. I would have a family to return to that evening, sleep in a warm bed, and share an evening meal with those I loved. I had Blessings. There are so many more like John in this economy who are struggling.

Part of my thinking is to use my art to make a difference. In the life of John and others like him. One of my immediate goals in sketching is to draw from memory after a brief observation period. This is my first attempt at a memory drawing. The start of a Journey. And dear Readers, pray for John and others like him. Perhaps we can give some from our Plenty and our Time in a thoughtful direct manner. Perhaps we can make a small difference in the lives of others where there is Need in this Economy of Days.

Daily Sketch: John - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

Who Am I: Inward Journey Through an Outward Traverse

The sun has settled on our week of tent camping across the eastern United States.

Original Photo: August Sunset - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

The tent camping endeavor this past week was enjoyable. I can't say that one of my objectives in life has ever been "the pursuit of happiness". Particularly in later life, its attainment has been elusive amidst the responsibilities of perceived "duty". I would not assert that I have had a lot of "fun" necessarily along my Journey for several years and various assignments. Except where I was having fun with my professional technical work achievements. But I have numerous daily joys particularly as it relates to my immediate family, my five-year-old kindergartner, and a very small group of close friends. My satisfactions have always come from commitment to my values and working towards goals and objectives.
 

This week's Journey was fun. I enjoyed adapting to events and circumstances as they presented themselves and working to make the best of things as they happened to be. I guess that is Living in the Moment. Surveying a camp site, making simple choices to optimize the orientation of the daily home base, and relaxing with simple pleasures like a morning coffee around a campfire were part of the satisfactions. Simple dialogs with spouse and daughters in a different venue was fun and valued. Although I did not have the time and availability necessarily to paint or sketch along the way, I had numerous photo opportunities to feed the daily painting pipeline when I so endeavor. I enjoyed each quiet morning before the rest of camp society woke up.

To some degree, I feel as if the achievements have been many thus far in my life but not necessarily set up in an orderly fashion for presentation. A cairn and waypoint has been established at this point in time but things may be different going forward and thus require a different approach. Things will look different. Things will be different.

Original Photo: A Cairn But Disorderly - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

My wife and I recently attended a wedding for two of my young, former co-workers. It's always nice in a certain way to renew one's own vows in the presence of another new ceremony. It's a reinterpretation of sorts. After the wedding and reception, we took the next day to travel the New Hampshire beaches from Salisbury to Hampton to Rye Beach along Routes 1 and 1A.

The small, balanced and orderly stone stacks were appealing on this entire trip. We made one of our own stacks of stones on a New Hampshire beach along the sea wall. I say "we" but my wife chose five stones and stacked them...one for each member of the family, I guess. We are at the bottom with the three daughters above [Big Bit, Little Bit, and Itsy Bit].



Original Photo: An Orderly Balanced Cairn- Copyright James E. Martin 2012

Along our beach walk, one set of older kids was visiting with their Mom on her birthday. They had found and partitioned off a small portion of the beach with beach pebbles and engraved in the sand surrounding it - "a perfect portion of beach" since the water had smoothed the sand with no ripples or imperfections. They had retained the segment of perfect beach for Mom's view during the day. A very special gift, I must say. 

 

My present task is not dissimilar in that I must apportion a part of the shifting and imperfect sands around me and set aside a portion of the day that is perfect for me for that day. The daily tide may erode the reserved area after the day is done or the rain may dribble it's imperfection upon the surface but each day brings a new day and a new perfect apportionment. It's a nice anecdote and mental image for a Lesson Learned. Thank you, Beachcombers! A pleasant gift.

 

 

Original Photo: A Perfect Beach Preserved - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

So this week was a semblance of a return to core values from younger days. It has been an Artistic Endeavor of daily photography not of daily painting. The Outward Travel molds and shapes the Inner Journey.

"You can imitate,
but at some point,
you have to start identifying
who you are as a painter -
the 'who am I' of the inward journey
that every artist must take".

Camille Przewodek

Hiking the Bash Bish Falls in NY-MA

The Bash Bish Falls are a short hike from the Taconic Parkway-Copake state park in New York State just west of Massachusetts and are the largest falls in the MA state flowing from Mt. Washington watershed. The hiking trail to the falls straddles the NY and MA state line.

Some discussion ensued about where we were and where we were going. Consensus was achieved on present state. Concurrence was achieved on approach. Develop a clear, concise mental picture of the path forward.

Original Photo: Gaining Concurrence - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

The team is ready for the distance with cheerful abandon. 

Original Photo: Determining Distance - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

Hiking aids are assimilated by the needy. Mimics are in the crowd. 

Original Photo: Hiking Aids - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

A canopy of shade is welcome even on a partly sunny and partly cloudy day.

Original Photo: Canopy of Shade - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

The trail streamside starts out at a shallow gradient. 

Original Photo: Shallow Slope - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

A man-made artifact presents a reverie for travelers.

Original Photo: Manmade Artifact- Copyright James E. Martin 2012

The trail and the stream present an increasing slope within a quarter-mile from the trail-head. 

Original Photo: Increasing Slope- Copyright James E. Martin 2012

There is a tremondous 70 - 90 degree slope from the trail (left) to the trail (right) down to the stream's valley. What a watershed!

Original Photo: View from Trail of Valley Stream - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

The rocks are pitted with watershed erosion. The soft earth is rutted away. 

Original Photo: Watershed - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

Ferns hold tenaciously to the steep slope.

Original Photo: Ferns on 80 degree slope - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

Although a few benches are available early on the hike, some weary travelers may have to choose their own rest stop. 

Original Photo: Rest Stop for Weary - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

The trail crosses the Massachusetts and New York state borders. One foot in each state!

Original Photo: One Foot in Each State - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

Some guard rails are provided at the pinnacle of view. 

Original Photo: Destination Bash Bish - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

The first look at Bash Bish Falls is soothing.

Original Photo: The First Look - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

One quickly develops a sense that shoes must be removed as soon as possible.

Original Photo: Shoes Off 01 - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

Collections of shoes expand and contract throughout the day.

Original Photo: Shoes Off 02 - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

Dipping the toes in unexpectedly cool water is a delight followed by exclamation. 

Original Photo: Toes Dipped - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

Butterflies sip and frolic amidst the rocks at poolside.

Original Photo: A Cool Drink - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

The wonder of nature's grandeur elicits the photo chase. What great photos she must have!

Original Photo: Photo Opportunity - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

Some pause to rest and seek a sense of solace amidst the sound of rushing water and echoed voices in the glen.

Original Photo: Rest and Solace - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

Eyes scan in all directions to take it all in. Each person sees from a different perspective.

Original Photo: Different Perspectives - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

The location and view invoke meditation. This gal seems relaxed while preparing photos and communicating for on-line sharing. Connectivity was difficult in the remote location.  

Original Photo: Meditate and Share - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

Pictures with family and friends with the falls in the background must be popular. 

Original Photo: Pics with Friends - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

Clambering among the rocks is a favorite pastime.

Original Photo: Clamber - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

Climbing over obstacles is an imperative.

Original Photo: Climb - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

I couldn't resist asking for permission to capture these beautiful feet in the process of air drying after a foot dip. Thank you dearie.

Original Photo: Air Dry - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

A tenuous path requires extra care in footing for all ages.

Original Photo: For All Ages - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

A proud explorer and discover lurks somewhere within this man's psyche and geneology. What a magnificent conqueror's pose!

Original Photo: Explorer and Discoverer - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

The smell of the clear water and the coolness in the air invites a stolen dip despite posted signs for "No Swimming". How can one not enjoy a refreshing?

Original Photo: A Refreshing - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

Of course, some are more daring than others. One feels a strong pull to jump into the fray.

Original Photo: Jump Into the Fray - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

A dive is preferred by some.

Original Photo: Dive Into the Fray - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

And then a higher challenge is to be sought by climbing the next cliff and trying again.

Original Photo: Climb the Cliff - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

Friends are watchful over their compatriots.

Original Photo: Watchful Friends - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

And at last the frolicking is finished up.

Original Photo: Finishing Up - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

The chilled among us towel off. 

Original Photo: Toweling Off - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

Daring young neophytes receive sisterly advice from a trusted mentor who has done this before. 

Original Photo: A Mentor's Sisterly Instruction- Copyright James E. Martin 2012

Then counsel is sought and feedback is provided on the next steps to take. Encouragement may be necessary for first timers. 

Original Photo: Sisters Conference - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

Photo opportunities abound. 

Original Photo: Photo Opportunities - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

Discussions and dialog provide feedback on variant approaches. This way or that?

Original Photo: Feedback on Approach - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

Some seek the best view.

Original Photo: The Best View - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

Families seek the best portrait perspective.

Original Photo: Family Portrait - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

Others who have gone before leave trace of their path.

Original Photo: Someone's Been Here Before - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

A cairn shows the way of balance and grace.

Original Photo: The Cairn - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

Some may choose to hike down the stream rather than the trail. Better view but for experienced and resilient travelers.

Original Photo: The Downstream Outlook - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

The waypoints may be marked by the hands of the aesthetes.

Original Photo: A Waypoint - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

Time to gather up the footwear for the downhill journey.

Original Photo: Ready to Go Downhill Home - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

A few get a helping hand.

Original Photo: A Helping Hand - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

There may be friendly dialog to solve or forget the world's problems. 

Original Photo: Resting Up - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

A last look is taken before turning homeward.

Original Photo: A Last Look - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

We wait and look for the rest of the team to ensure all members are present and accounted.

Original Photo: Where's the Rest of the Crew - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

A brief rest before starting the downhill trek may be called for.

Original Photo: Resting for the Downhill - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

But in a very short while, restlessness invokes a call to action.

Original Photo: Getting Restless - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

The anticipation to get moving in a homebound direction surfaces once again.

Original Photo: Anticipation - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

The journey back is always shorter and easier on the downhill that is known. Next time we may clamber and climb downhill but at the unknown and formidable streamside.

Original Photo: The Journey Back - Copyright James E. Martin 2012

 The Bash Bish Falls in the Taconic Parkway is a highly recommended daytrip.