Winter has just creeped into view.      The first hard freeze shriveled the Taro and elephant ear plants into dried tobacco leaves. Another visual reminder of the changing cycles of life.          

 Winter always effects me adversely. I try to put on a happy face and use a commanding voice in a convincing manner that the place I live on the far north coast of California is not really to be considered winter. Growing up in Wisconsin I am able to speak with some experience and insight.             Never seems to work.    

       I want to complain.....but this year the regular disappointment brought on by winter doesn't seem to be warranted. Any seasonal disorder reaction is laughable when every day there are indicators of the progression of our nation moving through one of the more challenging periods of American history. Just writing that makes me stop to see if this observation is justified, and it is.

      Late last year the local art community received an invitation to participate in contributing to a regional Plein Air coffee table book. This was welcomed by all and the project began. The daunting task included the involvement of the local college which allowed the work load and responsibilities to be distributed equitably. We contributed images of art that was local and painted open air, on location. Categories developed to differentiate work that was finished up in the studio.

     One requirement that the artist would include with their info profile was to answer the question; in these troubled times with all the social difficulties, global climate, poverty, income inequity, heath care, race and more.....(remember...last year). Does art matter and why?

The first response to that question became a resounding no, given the context, art isn't on that list for a reason. It doesn't matter all that much in the greater issues of the world.

     But of course the answer isn't as easy as that. Going to any art museum will give a clear indicator of the importance of art along the timeline of history. The world is documented in art as much or more than in print. The story of the injustices throughout the world are portrayed in graphic detail. Art has always mattered as a chronical of present, past and future events.

     What became clear as well is that, in the throws of conflict and despair, art is a portal to peace. I have found recently how valuable a piece of art can be to someone who has connected with the scene and derives a pleasure that makes this piece more their own then the artist ever intended.

    As an  artist I start with a composition that seems to voice a request to be stated. Hours later, after engaging in a series of complex challenges, I have become consumed with the scene and in time come to the point of a signature.

     It is amazing to display artwork and watch people pass by or stop to engage with a piece. When that hesitation turns into a long moment of consuming the scene it is as though I am witnessing the thoughts being formed and the scene connecting with images stored in the memories that have a deeper value. A piece of artwork that transports from troubled times to a place of tranquility. What a joy to have a someone tell the story of why they needed to own this piece and what it means to them. The excitement of where to place it and engage daily. 

    So in these challenging times when last years' troubles seem less troubling, does art matter?

At this point in this post I know it does for you as well as me.