State of Mind, State of the Arts, 2019

top: Belize Iristay, bottom: Irene de Watteville

State of the Arts 2019

As the daily crises reported on the media continues to escalate, and affects our mood and optimism, I see art as a way to tune out and refresh ourselves for more and more people. And the threat of financial crisis, which has hung over us for the last years, it is nice to know that there are things of great value that are not tied to money and available to all.

If you are like me, you listen to the news and end up with raised blood pressure and wondering if there is an end to the struggles around the world. I found the elections a way to feel as if I did have a part to play, and was relieved with a certain progress in our country’s politics. Now I feel I need to back away from that stress and find a daily way to chill out a bit. I do my walks and yoga and dance class, I alternately watch my diet and over-indulge…seems like I have been full since Thanksgiving!  But the most effective way I have to calm and validate myself is by making art and viewing exhibitions.

Working with your hands is a special activity, whether you are repairing an appliance, baking a special meal, or like me, working with wax to create glass sculptures. Time slows down and you feel centered and the worries of the world fade away. Knowing how satisfying that is gives me great security as I know, even with a market crash, there are these special activities that will continue.

And when I am not making, I can be engaging in viewing exhibitions or theater or dance as we have such a wonderful cultural community here in San Diego. As transport might become more difficult, I am delighted to concentrate on my local North Coast Rep and New Village Arts and looking forward to Passport to Dance in the spring organized by the Encinitas Friends of the Arts.  Open Your Hearts to North County Arts helped to bring our northern neighbors together.  We are looking forward to seeing Ann Mudge, Erin Dace Behling, Bob Matheny and Max Daily, SD Art Prize recipients at the Athenaeum in May of 2019 and Irene de Watteville and Belize Iristay opening there on Jan 12. County-wide collaborations make it possible for events to travel and I love it (especially on a Friday night!) when I don’t have to go too far afield to have experiences that inspire me.  

I am having a big adventure as we leave for India for a wedding at the end of the year. But horizon are ever widening for those with an imagination. So sharpen those brain cells and get on the roller coaster of arts events where ever you can.