Brenda and drove to the city of Rockford IL this past week end for the opening of a show I have been included in there at there beautiful art museum downtown. We have not owned a car now for over four years. We rented a car for the trip. Before we rented the car we called around to every one we could think of who may have been able to lone out a car for a couple days. We didn't find a car to borrow but we tried. It reminded me of what I believe is the future for all of us. It is a future of interdependence. We grew up in suburbs were every on the block had their own lawn mower and now we live in the inner city core learning to not only share our stuff but share our lives in the process. I believe we are living in the time of the great coming together, a coming together that often begins with stumbling steps, awkward and confused. This is the declaration of interdependence!
I recently decided to register for a conference in NYC that brings together christian artists who are struggling to engage with God and the world in fresh ways. I decided even though I didn't have the money I might be able to raise the money. I got on the phone and starting asking friends for donations to pay for my expenses so I could attend the conference. (I am about $150 short of my $750 goal.) It was humbling to be in this position of weakness and vulnerability but is was so cool to experience people's love and generosity. I had one friend who said no and it was awkward and yet real, like the poke you get bumping into an electric fence. "Oh, there's the end of that pasture and the beginning of the other" He decided to say "no" and I chose to say "OK". This is freedom in the world of healthy relationships where we can begin to be honest with each other and live lives of greater depth and meaning.
The little painting shown here with this entry is one of 18 paintings in the current show at RAM which is up until April 15. There are six other artists in the show all working with portraiture. They come from all over the world. It is a beautiful show in a world class space. When we walk into the large room that was filled with my paintings Brenda said, "This is like heaven."
Thank you to all who have purchased paintings over the years. Thank you to those who give to us through ACT every month. Thank you for prayers, dropped off groceries, and borrowed cars. As I write these words I become very aware that every successes I celebrate as a working artist I has been achieved with a lot of help from my friends. Thank you.
