Even The Hummingbirds Are Fighting

I’ve been holed up at home for months now, only rarely venturing out to run an essential errand like picking up some produce at the local farm stand in Duvall, Washington. I’m trying to focus on a way to still make a living as an artist so I’ve been largely spending my time focusing on my website and a new shop to sell some measly prints and merchandise. 

Meanwhile the world is in chaos and America specifically is now witnessing the long overdue beginning of its total collapse. It’s hard to ignore the silliness of my efforts; making posts about deals on cheap art merchandise…

I want to be useful. I want to do something that matters. I know that art matters and I know that I’m doing my best to be a positive influence and put something of worth into the world, yet I also know that what we need right now is physical action, not an art print of a bear standing up looking like a hero. I’m torn because I believe that physical protest and a show of force is called for and yet I don’t think that battle can be won. Won’t that just make matters worse? How do we demand change when we no longer even have anyone in charge who will listen.

So what do I do? (waits for answer to come from within…)

Outside I have a hummingbird feeder hanging so I can see it from my work desk. They’re cute I know, mystical little creatures. But they have been at war all season. Fighting over the feeders (we have three total) and they chase each other all over in high speed duels even though there is more than enough sugar water for everyone. They don’t know that though. They are just doing what is natural to them, which is protecting their livelihood.

Maybe this is all just in our nature, to fight to protect what we think is ours. But we’re not hummingbirds. It takes strength and compromise and compassion to work this shit out. It’s not easy but it is possible. I want to believe that.  

(Still waiting for the answer to come from within…) I don’t know what to do and until the answer comes I’m going to lay low and make art. Stay peaceful, and lookout for those close to me. What more can I do?

With that in mind, here’s one of my newest paintings, inspired by the woods around our home. It’s called Genesis. (The origin or mode of formation of something). 30x41” Acrylic on canvas.