I've had a long standing admiration for global cultures that grows in intensity, the more educated I become. Maybe it's the 'grass is always greener' concept, and I'm envious of experiences to be had on other continents. It's entirely possible I like to think of my world as small and loving, rather than big and threatening. Perhaps it's that I respect any group of people who can suffer hardships, make mistakes, and become better, wiser people for it. In the past two weeks I've had two very polarizing experiences; one extremely disheartening, and the other so hopeful... I teared up as it happened. Getting the bad bit over with first, I re-encountered a news article I surely must have blocked from my mind, because it's just so depressing to spend even a moment contemplating the dark significance. The alarming statistic is that around 2005, the human population in the US was finally surpassed by the number of guns they owned. And with sales on the rise, and my country in a state of fear and conflict like I haven't seen since the Cold War, I wouldn't be surprised if that number doubled in another 10 years. And I have to ask myself why? Why do we need that much destructive power? Who or what are we so afraid of to make that many weapons necessary? It makes me wonder what conditions were like in the hearts and minds of every historical super-power nation... right before they fell. Did they also think they could destroy the enemy (that really resides within)? That's enough of the icky bit. Now for my message of hope. Despite the strange, money motivated, sexually and racially discriminatory, environmentally detrimental choices being made by leadership in my country; despite the overwhelming arrogance of our elected officials being directed toward a far wiser, far more experienced global community; despite all the crazy I just can't explain, many of the leaders across the free world keep speaking out, asking Americans to stay true to what we know is right. They believe in the power of democracy, and in the intelligence and hearts of the American public. They ask us to act separately if necessary, keep serving the global community and furthering humanity in general. And they're sending this message with all sincerity. Just as I begin to wonder if the US is destined for the next great fall of empires, I see the rest of the world cheering us on, asking us not to lose faith. I've always believed true greatness resides within us. I've also always believed the only enemy of our greatness, the only threat to truly breathtaking evolution, is our own individualized brand of fear... and right now it seems pretty daunting. But we are way beyond denying the inescapable truth that we are a global community, and it will take a global effort. There is no one 'great' country without the existence of a great world. Maybe something truly cataclysmic needs to happen before we'll wake up. If time allows, maybe it's just a matter of old ways of thinking finally fading away. Either way, I'm grateful to the rest of the world for continuing to see my country's potential, when so many of us have begun to lose hope. Sometimes the support and belief of just one friend is all we need to survive a time of darkness. Hopefully my readers will agree. On to the new music… A New Song for You to Enjoy: (025) ‘March of the Milliseconds’ This song tells the story of a single human life; all too brief. I’ve tried to capture the joy and mystery of awakening into this world, the frantic build we all call adulthood, and the sad realization that it’s over far too quickly. Did we find our own truths? Did we embrace life, experience love and enjoy this gift we were given? That is for each of us to decide in our own time. Click the image link below to take a listen. (opens SoundCloud in a separate window) A Painting Update (014) ‘The Atomic Angel’ or ‘Memento Mori’ This next painting is a return to my angels theme. Based on studies of the ‘Angel of the Resurrection’ in the Cemetery of Staglieno (Genoa, Italy; sculpted by Giulio Monteverde (1882)), ‘The Atomic Angel’ is a cautionary tale about human power. It’s a rather fitting image for this week’s topic, since it warns against human arrogance and short-sightedness. As humans evolve, our power grows exponentially. Hopefully our love, compassion and wisdom grow as well. To this day, it remains one of my favorites. I hope you enjoy this curiously symbolic painting. Until next time… I join all of you in a shared hope for a more beautiful world.
Justin
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AuthorHello everyone. I'm Justin Mackay. I'm a creative soul, an explorer of life's mysteries, and a big fan of all the beauty in the world. If you're just here for the paintings, then head on over to my Art tab. If you wish to delve deeper into the odd thoughts of a pondering mind, then this is the place for you. Archives
February 2018
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