Aesthetic Definitions...

Art is communication. A way of figuring out the world. Ourselves. The universe. 
A way of exploring who we are, when, where...

​Art is looking at the world using all the senses. It is survival. Opening up.

Art is the aim toward truth. Expressing longing and grief and hope and laughter.
And all the states of body/mind/spirit/heart.

Art is finding connections. Finding meanings.

Art is making decisions on what the world is, taking action on what to do about it.

Art is listening. Breathing. Reducing. Making. Practice. Process.
A mirror to hold up to ourselves to the world. Reflection.

Art is curiosity. Falling. Engagement.

Art is cracking open questions, never answering them.
Or answering with more questions.
Discovering a question and then chasing after it forever.

Art is a jump into the unknown. A three year old pair of eyes asking why.

Art is feet in soil, head in clouds. For many, art keeps our bodies and minds stable, planted on earth in an otherwise windswept, tumultuous existence. Photo Anton Repponen.

What is art to you?
What does it mean to you?
Why do you need it?
What does it give you?
What would your life be without art?

​I realize that if the National Endowment for the Arts was eliminated by the Federal budget, this would not eliminate art as a whole from the United States. Artists will keep creating no matter what.

The substantial budget cuts proposed would however, eliminate a substantial support system for artists and all of our communities. This would impact whole foundations, organizations and some of your favorite people and places. Whole cities, districts, in a disastrous domino effect. This could send a lot of us into more unstable financial times, which for any artist, are likely wobbly already.

Most of all, these budget cuts will substantially impact your life, whether or not you're an artist. Your community. Here are ways they'd impact the state where I live. 

This video gives a juicy reminder (with statistics) on how the arts gives back.
​Art is not a taker. Don't take from the arts.

Feeling like you want to give back right now? Find a way to support the NEA in this uncertain time, and an individual artist in your community. Thank you!

And do write or comment with your own aesthetic definition, what art means for you, and how it impacts your life. I'd love to hear your heart!

​Most importantly, artists, I hope you keep making and diving into your curious engagements. I know you will. What you do is important. It doesn't cost much. And it gives a whole lot. Keep creating impact as you define what art means to you.