Art
As I sit on the beach, sounds of the ocean crashing into the shore, kids in the sea joyfully laughing as they try to jump over waves with their floatation devices. Parents, peacefully looking on as they enjoy the sun and the breeze of the Mediterranean. On this day the sky is clear, the mood is peaceful… it’s summer in Spain. I slowly pull on my cigar, savoring the spicy smoke, as I slowly exhale, I inhale my surroundings and had a thought… Art.
While walking through the streets of Valencia, Spain, I came across a mesmerizing piece of art. In its pristine state, an artist, oblivious to the noise of numerous tourists around him, was completely focused on his masterpiece. Like the artist, I stood still, visualizing my blank canvas, pondering where to begin my first brushstroke and where it might end. I continued to watch the artist, undisturbed by the passing pedestrians or the curious photographer. An artist capturing another artist, I thought. Michelangelo would be pleased.
In my personal opinion, there is no art more beautiful than watching a violinist perform. The instrument and the musician become one. As if they hear music deaf to everyone else and dance to each note. This particular musician was a joy to watch; her dress and the breeze seemed to move as one. She flowed gracefully through the sounds of her own music, creating a world void of social media, political disputes, and energy crises. She was in a place of peace, joy, and harmony, she was creating her art.
Lastly, art, unlike beauty, is not in the eye of the beholder but in the eye of the artist. This resonated with me because it reminded me that we are not to judge. Art belongs to the artist, and it’s up to everyone else to see it for what it is, not for what they want it to be.