I have been reflecting upon art as an offering — to oneself, the community, humanity, earth, spirit. As such, the artist cannot have expectations of anything coming back, even praise and encouragement, for as an offering, it is freely given as an expression of one’s innermost being. Indeed, a gift, a giveaway.

As for commoditization — certainly these times are ones of overwhelming materiality, yet the artist in some way must stand outside this, in order to create from the deepest levels of self, to be authentic, to speak the truth.

So all this makes me grateful that I am not immersed in the art market per se, e.g. the gallery scene. But then the challenge of wanting the work to be seen and experienced by others, in person, becomes even more poignant.

Clearly, an ongoing process and continuing dialogue.