The Value of Art

When you look at a new piece of art, what do you see? Do you see the big picture? The brush strokes? The history description next to the painting? I think what is so special when each of us sees a new piece of art or art for the first time is we try to decipher it differently but in a way that generates meaning for us. Maybe you are a history person who loves to hear stories or maybe you are a detail-oriented person that loves to imagine each brush stroke and choice made by the artist. All are fair and no one way is perfect. 

I think we can agree with the authors Stegner and Leopold that looking at nature can offer the same kind of process and ultimate value. I think for myself, I tended to simply look at nature for its outer appearance and beauty because I did not care or feel like I "had the time" to understand it on a deeper level. It was something that was a huge part of my childhood because growing up in California our parents mostly had us outdoors with a treehouse in our backyard, local parks, and the beach during the warmer seasons. But I can really resonate with the point that Leopold made as well that the value I hold for community stemmed more from a perception of nature being a part of my community and childhood rather than a form of ownership or property. So for today's blog, while meditating on this idea, I wanted to share pictures of my home because it has since my childhood been a place I feel most connected and in relationship with nature. 

When we were really little kids our backyard was mostly a grass field with biking sidewalks that weave around the backyard which as you can imagine, set up for a perfect bike competition with my siblings and me from time to time. We also used to have a huge treehouse in the back corner that had swings, a slide, and a sandbox which was the most magical place for a little girl. Sometimes I would take friends to the treehouse and have picnics in the backyard or watch the stars at night which again, offered a sense of peace and community with nature. Once I was in middle school, my parents made the call to have the pool in our backyard and shift to more of a tropical atmosphere. But again, these pictures are so near and dear to my heart because here in this pool we had birthday parties, fourth of July events, bonfires and smores, etc. I love our backyard to this day because it offers a mini slice of peace and paradise for me growing up and still is a space outdoors that I feel in a relationship with. 

I think although the space has evolved or it feels like we are looking at a "new piece of art", I still have been able to find unique value in each because I have had unique experiences with each place. I will forever cherish the original art of trees, grass, and sidewalks but I also feel lucky to have so much love for the pool, palm trees, and bonfire piece of art that followed. I think my encouragement and takeaway from this reflection is that how we define art can vary for each person but what is most important is to find which definition works for you and see how that applies to the nature around you. Nature is such a key and special aspect of creation that I think we would miss living life to the fullest if we didn't acknowledge all aspects of a community that we get to live alongside.