everything is salvageable
Madeleine L'Engle says that "An artist is someone who cannot rest, who can never rest as long as there is one suffering creature in this world."
If it's true, as much as I hope it is, as much as I believe it is, as much as I want it to be, then that means that every maker of every stripe, bend, or caliber is a kind of bodhisattva. A person capable of transcending the ceaseless cycles of tragedy and trauma inherent to human existence. A person able to pull themselves free of the muck and mire of the culture and context we find ourselves in. A person who can get to a Nirvana-like state of peace and equanimity, but who refuses to stay there permanently, who refuses to keep it for themselves only.
A maker could easily give up on everything that happens outside their studio, outside their desk, workbench, or creative space, but chooses not to. There is a hope that happens in the making that will not let me, that will not let the temptation of renouncing society have the final say. A maker refuses abiding relief and safety. Refuses ultimate calm and serenity, and chooses to stay in the mud of the messy world for the sake of all the others still stuck in it. For the sake of saving as much of it as possible.
A maker abandons nothing, knows that brokenness is never final, that everything is salvageable. A maker believes in redemption.
May you find stillness in the process of making things.
May you always have the will and compassion necessary to give the quiet you find away.
May you always hold fast to the hope of saving the world.
In case no one's told you today, I love you with all my everything.
**special thanks to
for the exchange that inspired this writing.
You are loved right back. These are good sentiments and things to think about but I was way too distracted by these new and different collages you’re producing! So exciting.
This is so well written! It resonates deeply!