An Ancient Story for Modern Times…
The events of September 11, 2001 were horrible to contemplate. That day, the world seemed full of hate, destruction and despair. As I watched events unfold, I felt my own reactions of anger and hate for the people who could stoop this low, and overwhelming anguish for those whose lives were taken so carelessly in these acts of violence.
I went to my studio, lost in despair and fearful of the new world that awaited us. As I worked, I thought, “What does it matter that I make these little plastic horses? 5,000 people died today.” But I kept making them.
Soon it dawned on me. The paintings of the Lascaux cave were made as the last great Ice Age was ending. The glaciers retreated, drastically changing the very climate within a handful of years. Vast grasslands disappeared along with the huge herds of animals that followed them. Some archeologists now think the painters were trying to call the horses back.
Those ancient people at the dawn of a new age, stood and watched as their entire world changed around them. Perhaps they were afraid and filled with despair, too.
But they went into that dark cave and created the most profoundly beautiful and evocative art the world has ever known. Poignant in its message (though we cannot read it), we still feel its power 17,000 years later.
We, too, stand at the dawn of a new morning. We, too, may fear and despair of what those changes will mean to us–as a nation and as individuals.
We, too, can choose how we will meet those changes.
As an artist, I choose to affirm the creative force of the universe. In my own small way, I choose to grow, to understand, to move forward in a constructive way. And to act in every way I can to honor this choice.
I can do this globally, by contributing to causes that alleviate the conditions that bring acts of horror like this to the world.
I can do this locally, by holding my family and loved ones close, and honoring the creative spirit of all other people.
And I can do this with my hands, by creating my little horses, which symbolize the power that comes from our choices and our actions, even in the face of despair.
Hey, by a weird series of clicks I wound up here and dug your interest in the cave paintings. This is probably old news to you, but if not, run, do not walk, to see Cave of Forgotten Dreams by Werner Herzog. I found the cave paintings in that absolutely startling. Looking at them, I felt completely sure that the people who painted them were not primitive superstitious cartoon people, but alert, thoughtful, imaginative beings. I wanted to say “exactly like us” but only in the best sense. To think that when we draw or paint or sing or play flute we are doing something 30 or 40,000 years old is really awe-inspiring and inspirational.
Hi Mark, so nice to see you here, and thank you for your comments. (I took the liberty of incorporating your correction.) :^) Yes, I now own a copy of Herzog’s movie. And yes, seeing the long view of our humanity is indeed humbling and inspiring. I’ll tell Jon hi for you!