In July I had the opportunity of a conversation about art with St. Petersburg based artist Mark Kerstetter. Mark is also an accomplished writer and contributor to the online arts journal Escape Into Life. That discussion led to a recent interview that appears in the journal’s latest edition.
The author and teacher Joseph Campbell once said that as he went through life he could never tell if he had made the right decisions. He simply could not see beyond his present circumstances. But as he neared the end of life and looked back, it was as if he were standing on a mountain top. Gazing down, he saw his whole life neatly laid out before him. From that vantage point, everything fit together perfectly; the stops and starts of all his life journeys became a clear pattern, ultimately leading to the present.
Although not as far along as was Campbell, I am still able to look back and see connections in the past that had a bearing on my life. It is also human nature to wonder if we had made other choices and gone down different roads, would we be any better off. That way of thinking sidesteps reality and ends up a waste of time. Like Campbell, I realize I am who I’m supposed to be and where I’m supposed to be.
Regardless of various roads not travelled, being able to create art throughout life remains a blessing.
The author and teacher Joseph Campbell once said that as he went through life he could never tell if he had made the right decisions. He simply could not see beyond his present circumstances. But as he neared the end of life and looked back, it was as if he were standing on a mountain top. Gazing down, he saw his whole life neatly laid out before him. From that vantage point, everything fit together perfectly; the stops and starts of all his life journeys became a clear pattern, ultimately leading to the present.
Although not as far along as was Campbell, I am still able to look back and see connections in the past that had a bearing on my life. It is also human nature to wonder if we had made other choices and gone down different roads, would we be any better off. That way of thinking sidesteps reality and ends up a waste of time. Like Campbell, I realize I am who I’m supposed to be and where I’m supposed to be.
Regardless of various roads not travelled, being able to create art throughout life remains a blessing.
3 comments:
It is a pleasure to stop by - reading your thought, "...I realize I am who I'm supposed to be and where I'm supposed to be", I am reminded of Steve Jobs thinking, and mull it over at every opportunity:
"Almost everything--all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure--these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."
--Steve Jobs
All the best to you, Michele
Thanks Michele,
I appreciate your kind words.
Don't we all "doodle" while contemplating the second quandary? Much of the world is daily trying to prolong their miserable existence in some form of self made journey. Few find escape from the "reaper's reach"! BUT, and artist's foreign ability to change reality allows them the pleasure to enjoy the poison that is killing them to kill the pain of dying! Written by some drunk artist friend of Modi's I assume.
How are you Dennis my friend?
Rick Whalen
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