Number 33 Is encouragement important?

I've read many books concerning how to be successful as an artist and none of these books address the issue of encouragement very much. As a matter of fact they address the issues of how to deal with criticism to a great extent, probably because we artists encounter much more criticism than we receive encouragement.

As a teenager I cannot ever remember being encouraged to pursue arts as a profession. Perhaps nobody thought I had enough talent or, perhaps they just didn't recognize art as a viable option to make a living. I can understand that mentality given that the term 'Starving Artist' is more often associated with the profession of art than any other descriptive title.

I too am guilty of using that term when speaking of my success as an artist. I will catch myself explaining that I would be much skinnier if I didn't keep my day-job as a welder, meaning that if I depended on my art sales I would fall into the category of 'Starving Artist'. By doing this I too am guilty of sabotaging the profession. I must try, in the future, to elevate the profession of artist to a level of prestige that it deserves.

If you are one of those artists that is likewise guilty of perpetuating a negative image of artists I implore you to make an about face and begin a campaign to project to the world that an artist does have a unique talent that you cannot obtain at any school of higher learning. They can teach you technology all day long but not one teacher can teach you talent. You either have it or you don't. You know this, and not one person can prove otherwise.

Parents, in my opinion, are one of the greatest obstacles that a talented child must overcome. The child is almost always hearing expectations of the parents and being advised which professions not to pursue and which professions are more likely to provide a good income. Parents are not notorious for just encouraging their children to follow their dreams, unless that child has a dream that will likely rake in some good cash.

There is a pretty important ethical issue involved here. Is it unethical to encourage a child to follow his dream if the parent does not believe that the child's chosen profession will likely provide him or her with adequate income, even if the child is completely happy with his chosen profession or occupation?

I do believe that a young man or woman should strive to take care of themselves, but I also believe that they need to try to pursue their dream as long as it doesn't burden others that depend on them.

I have always been focused on art much more than making the dollar, and because of this I have made many bad decisions that put me in financial difficulties. I have not always been good at managing my finances. Luckily I have a brother that has helped me significantly over the years. He has been my Theo and I am most grateful for him.

I believe in my art, and, not if it becomes valuable, but when it becomes valuable it will greatly give back to him, his wife Mary and/or his daughter Natalie. I will not forget his generosity as a great brother nor will I forget his loved ones. He has never asked for a dime to be paid back.

I believe that we should always encourage talented people to pursue their dreams, because a person can give back much more to society through greatly developing his or her talents rather than merely holding down a job for the dollar that truly brings little happiness.

Talents are truly gifts, and I think it unconscionable to discourage their development , and regard them as unworthy wastes of our time. Talents to me are the Blossoms of Life, and we should always be thankful for the pleasures that they bring.

Finton

NUMBER 31 More questions about the Bible

Why create angels that are sure to rebel? Why give one fallen angel the power to deceive and mislead weak souls down the road to hell? Why create a place of burning fire and endless torment where people will suffer for eternity just because they do not believe in a man named Jesus that nobody has seen in over 2000 years?

Why did God bless King David, King Solomom, and Job (after he allowed Satan to take all that he had except his life) with extraordinary financial and material wealth, and Jesus in Luke 14:33 said that anyone that did not forsake all that he had could not be his disciple? Jesus said in Luke 14:26 that any man that does not Hate his father and his mother, and hate his brother and sister, and hate his children and even hate himself could not be his disciple.

Jesus said in Luke 19:27 that whosoever that would not that I should reign over them, bring them hither and slay them before me. To me this is brutality and barbarianism. Jesus did not say that He would slay them but he put that burden on you, whether they be your brother or sister, father or mother, your wife and children and any friends that you may have. 'You' bring them and 'You' slay them before Jesus.

I have discussed many passages such as these, with several preachers and pastors or religious leaders, that deal with hate and rejection and every one of them try to explain that the passages in question don't literally mean what they say.

I must admit that I predominantly read the King James version, first published in 1611, because it is the oldest translation that I am aware of, and I was brought up with it as 'The Bible'. I think that this version is still the most relied upon version to date. If so, and if many of the passages are misinterpreted then we are getting the wrong messages by which to live our lives.

The theological historians claim that we don't have ANY 'Original' manuscripts of the gospels. All we have is about 5,400 copies, and they all vary in degrees that are not too significantly different in meaning.

Not any of these books of the Old Testament or the New Testament bible, or the Koran originated in a democratic society where people were guaranteed freedom of speech or the freedom of the printed word. If you believed differently you best keep your mouth shut or risk your head against the sword.

That region of the world was and still is a barbaric region and likewise fear runs rampant even as we speak. How can enlightenment survive and flourish in that kind of society? Even in this society it is somewhat wise to not speak your mind. I know that I run the risk of being shunned by many religious zealots and even by many moderately religious practitioners. Controversy is usually not the most popular identifiable trait to have, but if we will just try being objective we can see that controversy brings about more beneficial change than meekness and close mindedness.

I have many more questions about the Bible and other religions that I plan to address in future blogs. I have a propensity to share my thoughts with others that may be interested in my many thought processes.

I also must explain that over the years I have had a change of mind on many issues, and for this I am proud. I believe that dialogue is all about change and enlightenment. Sometimes we seem to fall backwards, more barbaric or close minded, but over all, I believe that dialogue moves us closer to a greater degree of enlightenment.

I do not believe that the Christian bible, the Koran or the many other religious teachings are the words of God, however I must admit that all of the religious writings that I have read do have, in my opinion, much wisdom and also much invalid thinking.

Keep thinking and asking questions in a Socratic style. I believe his method of seeking ethical truths, and many other truths is the zenith of mind and the path to enlightenment. Life should be enjoyed to its fullest but I think that ignorance is the great wall of bondage that surrounds all of us and we must continue trying to dismantle this high wall.




Finton