Where have you been since the last time you posted?
I moved from Queens, NY to Colorado Springs, CO. Married my amazing wife Rachael. Moved to Ft.Lauderdale, FL 6 months later, and then back to our hometown Ocala, FL.
I taught PreK-5th grade Art for the past year. (loved it!) And now we’re moving to Salt Springs, Fl.
What’s new?
Well the short-cut version is that life has taken me on a spiritual path of continuously re-evaluating and re-defining my entire belief system. By applying new/old ideas and experiences, I am fully convinced that there is always more that we could open up to.
My wife and I, and our five dogs and one cat, are currently relocating to a secluded home bordering the magical Ocala National Forest to live as self sustainably and earth conscience (low impact) as possible. We are determined to manifest the exact life that we want (not what we are told we should want) while remaining without attachment, assumption or judgment. We have established our foundation (our point of departure for all things) in the heart; a place of love, truth and intuition through open inspiration and the understanding that everything happens for a reason and we are all one. All plants and animals (including humans) are special. Each of us hold inside our very own super powers; each of us are heros.
Our goal is to attempt to find the full potential of our unique super power, or energy, and use it for the greatest good. I believe this a path that we are all on whether we know it or not.
This has been a difficult and emotional process of change, one I could have not foreseen, one that has required facing all my fears, letting go of everything I coveted, and accepting the true self that I am despite what others may think or say.
Gee Jake … why so serious?
If not now, then when? This is what I keep asking myself, as well as, who am I and why am I here? What is my purpose and where is my place in this world? I cant run or hide from these questions anymore, so instead I chose to look inside, submit and listen. My newest art derives from these very questions, places and moments. I resigned from my position as Elementary Art teacher because I felt the system was not the place I was most effective, as I could not be as truthful as I wanted with the children. I accepted a new direction.
We chose the uncertain path; the path parents despise (especially with a co-signed student loan). A path of timelessness and infinite possibilities, not normalcy with bi-monthly checks and government umbrellas to keep shade over us. And the money shows up at the perfect time ever month, and I am finally able to be real with myself and others, every moment of everyday. This decision was an important lesson on faith, because as of now, we are solely supported by creating. We function by directly manifesting, giving, receiving, using empathy, love, truth and faith, and we know that we will continue to be taken care of for only as long as we continue to believe.
Everything is a loop. We become one organism that does not fight or compete against our own selves when we realize this, instead we work together from a common vision of light, growth and divine acceptance.
Much of my seriousness is because it is all I am capable of at this moment. I feel we are in a time of great change and that we are changing with it, some are choosing to resist while others choose to flow. Each choice is correct and each choice will get you where you are supposed to be.
Let’s talk more about your art.
I feel that the act of creation is sourcing from a higher power. I believe when we are “in the moment” of creation we are outside of the brain and one with the process, experience and subject. We all know that this is when magical things happen.
I am releasing the concept that all artwork has to be physical and built to last. In fact my current muse lies in the hands of the buddhist monks who tediously build complex, geometrically precise mandalas from brilliant colored sand, only in-turn to watch it vanish with the mountain wind. I feel that the importance of art as material, exists in what it shares with the owner and all in its presence, not in its sentimental value or projected worth. I am also releasing the concept that a persons art should be consistent, categorizable or even planned. To me the creative process is intuitive, therapeutic and meditative; a continuous internal challenge that requires full energy and direction.
I feel that the act and end result of creating is a most necessary medicine for both the creator and viewer. We as creators are very much the eyes, or visionaries, for the people who are touched by our work. This is an honorable role that deserves consideration of all that it entails. Once we realize, respect, and step into the power of this role, then we can learn to use it to its full potential.
