"Her green plastic watering can
For her fake Chinese rubber plant
In the fake plastic earth"
These are the first lines of the song "Fake Plastic Trees" by Radiohead. The song goes on to talk about fake societal ideals, fake people, fake relationships, etc. And in the chorus is the sentiment: "It wears her (him/me) out."
Yes, we do live in a world where much is fake. We live in a world where much seems to be molded polystyrene - even people (to borrow another thought from the song).
But, it's refreshing to know that not everything is fake or plastic or from a mold. Much in this world is real and genuine and unique. Original art is one of those things.
I enjoy the real and the genuine. I love family. I love nature and I love art.
In a world where so much of what we consume is disposable and mass produced, there is a greater and greater need for things that last. There's a need for things that have real value. Objects that aren't mass produced, but rather are crafted with care. Things of beauty. Things of art.
Look around many people's homes. Many have mass produced disposable prints that speak nothing more than "I match the couch." Some have original and unique works of art that speak to them on deeper levels. Some hang prints that will fade and need to be replaced when they buy a new couch or paint the walls.
What about you? Do you have works of beauty, created by passionate hands, that has a palpable spirit which enriches your home?
Don't get me wrong. Not all prints are bad and not all original art is good. But, I'm speaking of the broader philosophy.
You are reading this because you do seek out things of beauty. You do seek out things that have deeper meaning. You enrich your life with things that speak to you.
It doesn't matter if you have just arrived at this point or if you have been here your entire life. It doesn't matter if you own hundreds of original works of art or if you are saving up to buy your first piece. The point is you are here because you know the value that art brings (or can bring) to your life.
Whether it is handmade jewelry, a hand-turned wooden vase, a quilt, handcrafted furniture, or an original painting (mine of course!) - when something speaks to you, you know it. You feel it. Those are the works you should bring into your home. They can add meaning to your life.
They won't replace real and genuine relationships. But, they will replace the fake plastic trees. They will enrich your life.
Best Wishes,
Keith Bond
