A Heart for Art

I am participating in an Art Festival sponsored by artist, Mother Henna. For this festival, I had to post about Art. It can be anything, a poem, a picture of your artwork, an essay describing your relationship with art, etc. I am not an artist per se, but I am passionate about the arts in all forms and seek to make it part of my life and home.

In writing this post, I have been thinking about growing up in an "artistic" household surrounded by artists, musicians, and actors. My parents and siblings are all talented musicians and my mother and I have enjoyed "walking the boards". My mother also painted and sculpted and owned an antiques and art gallery for many years. I remember my mom saying that good music, books, and art are just as important for childrearing as good nutrition, sleep, and play.

I was thinking of art in its' traditional forms, of something that is produced, a final product, a book or something to hang on the wall and admire. Then I realized this is so limiting, art is the process, the journey, the struggle, that connects us to "flow" or higher power where you feel part of and in sync with the universe.

I create art when I am present with my family and comfort and care for them.
I create art when I provide compassionate and excellent care at my work as a nurse.
I create art when I can make a little baby laugh while waiting in the check out line.
The craftsmen who install moulding, a surgeon replacing a worn out arthritic knee, a granny singing to her little ones, the cook creating a meal, these are all artists.
Art is in the doing.

Thank you to Mother Henna for celebrating Art and providing me the opportunity to reflect on its' role in my life. Your thoughts on art and its' place in your life are most welcome.
Many thanks, Martha