Blog draft may 15 26

Art

Shape. Color. Function. Texture. Presence. These are primary elements of most works of art, I doubt we think of them in this precise way, but an image instantly appears in our mind and we think. About it. About what it represents. About what we are feeling about it or anything else. This piece of art in front of me causes ideas to flow. It is speaking to me. It may be clear communication or not. Mostly not. In time, however, something coalesces and meaning for that piece and I becomes a firm thought.

At times it seems like magic, but art truly is a communication from the artist to someone else. Not an intentional message perhaps to a specific person, but a message none the same to another person. The viewer makes sense of the piece one way or another. To those it does not speak to, they walk by without a care or thought. That’s just the nature of art.

The southwestern states of America are alive with artists.  A lot of them are native Americans. They grew up with strong images in their culture. Their functional pieces (cups, bowls, plates, containers, etc.) were adorned with the maker’s furbishes art marks. These grew to be more meaningful over time and intentional. Outside cultures noticed and a boom in art resulted. Today the art markets in New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada are alive and thriving. Others have joined local artists from all over the world. Throngs of visitors jam art exhibits and buy with abandon.

Do not visit the southwest and expect to see no art.

Santa Fe is a major capital of art exhibits. Some city blocks are lined with 6 or more galleries, all filled with art with price tags attached. They are often irresistible. Wall art is hot. So is jewelry. It is the odd person that is not tempted!

Take the time and talk with an artist. They will share much with you. Once I was invited to their studio and home far out in the desert. Fascinating experience. Wonderful expansion of the brain and its thought patterns.

Art and the southwest. A noble and worthy attraction to the region. Don’t miss it if you have the chance.

May 15, 2026

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