To draw a tree, to pay such close attention to every aspect of a tree, is an act of reverence not only toward the tree, and toward the earth itself, but also our human connection to it. This is one of the magical things about drawing - it gives us almost visionary moments of connectedness.
Interpretation
Drawing a tree with attention enhances our connection to nature and humanity.
This quote emphasizes the profound relationship between art and our perception of nature. When we take the time to carefully observe and depict a tree, we not only show respect for the tree and the earth, but we also cultivate a deeper understanding of our place within the natural world. The act of drawing transcends mere representation; it fosters moments of insight and connection that enrich our appreciation of life.
In practice
This quote could be referenced in an art class to inspire students to observe nature deeply.
The power of both myth and art is this magical ability to open doors, to make connections - not only between us and the natural world, but between us and the rest of humanity. Myths show us what we have in common with every other human being, no matter what culture we come from, no matter what century we live in. . .and at the same time, mythic stories and art celebrate our essential differences.
American poetry is this country's greatest patrimony. It takes a stranger to see some things clearly. This is one of them, and I am that stranger.
Once a novel gets going and I know it is viable, I don't then worry about plot or themes. These things will come in almost automatically because the characters are now pulling the story.
Sun-bleached bones were most wonderful against the blue - that blue that will always be there as it is now after all man's destruction is finished.
You must be really bad, because it is a puzzle. Creating anything is hard. It’s a cliché thing to say, but every time you start a job, you just don’t know anything. I mean, I can break something down, but ultimately I don’t know anything when I start work on a new movie. You start stabbing out, and you make a mistake, and it’s not right, and then you try again and again. The key is you have to commit. And that’s hard because you have to find what it is you are committing to.
Like a piece of ice on a hot stove the poem must ride on its own melting.
I write because I like to make things and the only things I am good at making things with are words.
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