Bent but not broken

 

Bent but not broken

By Tom Wachunas 

   To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven. – Ecclesiastes 3:1

   But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed… -2 Corinthians 4: 7-9 

   Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things…  – Philippians 4: 8 

   Maybe subtitle this one Confessions of a recovering critic ?

    It’s not for want of subject matter that after September 27, my usually regular though quirky writing routines, rituals and processes ceased altogether. Call it floundering in a mode of unproduction. Sadly, I have been wholly unable to offer my assessments and appreciations of some recent local arts events and exhibits. This situation has been a distressing consequence of recent medical issues that left me in various stages of hurt-filled immobility and an otherwise depressed state of heart and mind. The time, energy, and ability required to effectively focus on composing arts reviews have been sorely compromised. Diagnosis from Omni Orthopaedics: “Invertebral disc disorders w radiculopathy, lumbar region (M51.16), Spondylolisthesis, lumbar region (M43.16).” Translation: Profound pain.

   Butt, after surgery on October 18, I am slowly on the mend. Soul-renewing gratitude, rather than physical pain, is progressively filling my days.

   In wrestling with (and frankly resenting) this recent absence from my love for looking at and writing about art, I’ve had ample time to prayerfully examine (or brood about) the motives driving that passion. My sense of…purpose.

   Yes, over the years, I have remained acutely aware and thankful that ARTWACH has garnered certain “rewards” in the form of heartfelt comments and sincere praise for my insights and writing skills - all God-bestowed, I assure you. But at its core, ARTWACH isn’t about ME. So despite all the I-me-mine content of this very post, I am nonetheless compelled to remind you that the ARTWACH raison d'être was intended from its beginnings in 2009 as a you-we-ours platform. It is a place, a context, meant to serve, inspire, and elevate our community, our culture, by embracing and assessing, savoring and celebrating, the abundance of truly remarkable art and artists flourishing in our midst.

   I’ll be back. Meanwhile, THANK YOU ALL for your caring and attention. Be well, and happy hunting.