Touch the heart of an artist

This weekend, visit the Flame Tree Arts Festival and buy a piece of art. It is a small way of thanking the artists for their contributions to civilization.

The work of an artist is the work of the Divine, for the artist is involved in creation. The artist turns the abstract to the concrete, translates something from the world of the heart and spirit and mind into the material world. They bring beauty. They move us, uplift us, and touch our hearts.

It has been said that all art is a gift from divine worlds. “When the light shines through the mind of a musician, it manifests itself in beautiful harmonies. Again, shining through the mind of a poet, it is seen in fine poetry and poetic prose. When the light inspires the mind of a painter, he produces marvelous pictures.”

Art surrounds us. Beauty and symmetry and harmony can be seen all around us, and the heart takes pleasure and enjoyment in them. Commenting on the attraction and prevalence of art, one author has written, “A beautiful house, a well designed garden, a symmetrical line, a graceful action, a well written book, pleasing garments—in fact, all things that have in themselves grace or beauty are pleasing to the heart and spirit.”

Art is often relegated to the periphery of our educational systems, and thus many of us come to believe that art belongs in the periphery of our lives. Yet the richest cultures are those in which artistic expression is nurtured at the grass roots, where everyone has a means for creative expression. It can be said that without art, there really is no culture. And without art, there is certainly no great civilization.

This weekend is our community’s opportunity to celebrate our artists—those amongst us who are more actively focused on creating beauty and expressing spirit. It is also an opportunity for each of us to allow art and beauty and creative expression to move us. It may even be a chance for some of us to explore the idea of the artist within us—to be inspired to try something ourselves, to cultivate a latent talent or yearning.

The life of an artist can be difficult. The work is often arduous. Many hours are spent alone. The act of creation can be long and strenuous. Inspiration can dry up. And the bills can be difficult to pay.

So, as you visit the booths, and meet the artists, thank them! When the singers sing, applaud wildly! When the dancers dance, shout hooray! When you see the artists, shower them with praise! Celebrate their efforts! Appreciate their work! Buy something and say, “Wow”! Encourage them! Touch their hearts! Bring them chocolate!

(David Khorram, MD is a board certified ophthalmologist, and director of Marianas Eye Institute. Questions and comments are welcome. Call 235-9090 or email eye@vzpacifica.net. Copyright © 2005 David Khorram.)