My art practice is inspired by the many vibrant individuals & cultures I've encountered over the years — from big cities to small towns, from the Indigenous people of Montana to Tibetan Buddhist leaders including His Holiness The Karmapa— a powerful leader for compassionate action who first introduced me to the practice of ecoconsciousness through meditation. My heart swells when I have the opportunity to learn from heart-centered visionaries, musicians, artists, and writers honoring people & planet through their work, and sharing their wisdom in whatever forms most resonate for lasting connections and impact.
I am especially grateful for the Black, Latinx, and Asian communities here in the States who have embraced my curious spirit, shared their stories through art and music, and shaped my worldview and life experiences for the better. These connections are the bridge between the world as we know today, and the world we dream of — where people & planet will flourish in mindful coexistence.
I'd also like to give mention to some artists who have had a significant impact on my style & sensibility, and whose art has challenged me to go further in my philosophy & practice.
Past, present, and future, I owe you all a great debt for having expanded my vision for what's possible, and reminding me —to live boldly and create with urgency is our only option.
A gorgeous poem that reinvigorated my spirit this year...
By Joy Harjo
To pray you open your whole self
To sky, to earth, to sun, to moon
To one whole voice that is you.
And know there is more
That you can’t see, can’t hear;
Can’t know except in moments
Steadily growing, and in languages
That aren’t always sound but other
Circles of motion.
Like eagle that Sunday morning
Over Salt River. Circled in blue sky
In wind, swept our hearts clean
With sacred wings.
We see you, see ourselves and know
That we must take the utmost care
And kindness in all things.
Breathe in, knowing we are made of
All this, and breathe, knowing
We are truly blessed because we
Were born, and die soon within a
True circle of motion,
Like eagle rounding out the morning
Inside us.
We pray that it will be done
In beauty.
In beauty.
Joy Harjo, “Eagle Poem” from In Mad Love and War. Copyright © 1990 by Joy Harjo.