Quote of the day: “He who works with his hands is a laborer.
He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman.
He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.”
― St. Francis of Assisi
Simple Artist’s Work Bench
It is hard to believe that the month of January has flown by already and it is time to pick an image that I made during that time that most connects with my heart. I am still in Hawaii making photographs and following my heart (arrived in early December 2012 and will probably leave sometime this month).
This month I am reflecting on all of the amazing artists, dreamers, and idealists I’ve met on the Big Island of Hawaii. This place attracts them like flowers attract bees. I’ve met amazing organic farmers, potters, orchid growers, cacao and coffee farmers, and B&B hosts.
The quality that they all have in common is that they follow their heart. They do what their heart calls them to do. Most live very simply. Most work at least part of the time growing things in the earth. Most follow their ideals strictly.
Scott, showing us a piece of glass art he made
For example, Scott, who gave me and my daughter a tour of his organic farm this week, built his house and most of the buildings on his farm from recycled materials. He uses solar energy, catchment water for showering, and can live on $200 per month plus whatever he spends on food (he grows a lot of what he eats).
He built his house and most of the buildings on his farm from recycled materials. He lives very simply. He works very hard. He is an artist in the way that he lives his life and creates healthy soil and food, but he also sketches, paints, and makes glass art.
Creating Beautiful Food – Taro Leaves on Organic Farm
As he was showing us his greenhouse and farm, he explained the “Two reason rule” that he uses to decide whether to do something or not. Every decision, must have at least two reasons for doing it. As we walked through the gardens, each activity that he described had at least two reasons for doing it. I enjoyed hearing his lists of reasons, “Reason number 1…. reason number 4…”
As I said, the Big Island of Hawaii attracts independent, idealistic, artists. The climate allows people to live very simply and to do what they love. But that doesn’t mean that it is easy. I don’t think it is every easy to truly listen to your heart and follow it in our culture. And despite the idea that one can just live off the land in Hawaii, from what I’ve seen, it takes a lot of work to created fertile, organic soil and to outwit invasive plants, insects, and critters.
I am so inspired by all the amazing people I have met here who do not punch a time clock, who live out loud, who follow their dreams and ideals, and who do it with such grace, beauty, and strength. My hope is that I can carry their grace, beauty, and strength into my life as a photographer when I return home, to stay connected to my heart, to do what I know is right for me no matter how difficult, and to live simply and sustainably.
7 Comments
sarahhuizenga · February 2, 2013 at 6:50 pm
Very true the world is not very open to the follow your heart and everything will be okay theory. Some pretty amazing farmers in Hawaii.
Deborah · February 2, 2013 at 11:53 pm
Your images really capture the essence of what you describe here. What a beautiful experience you have had!
Paula · February 3, 2013 at 1:40 pm
This is so beautifully written, but more important contains a great deal of beauty in life’s lessons; lessons that, for me anyway, need to be followed more. Thank you!
Sandra · February 3, 2013 at 5:14 pm
What a lovely experience to stay on Hawaii. The life style on the island sounds like something from another world where all is simpler and where one can be guided by nature.
Kat Sloma · February 4, 2013 at 5:33 pm
You captured Scott’s story, and by extension the story of so many who live similarly to him, so beautifully, Marilyn. “He is an artist in the way that he lives his life.” That is a profound statement. What I read in your words is that he has created his life. He lives with intention and choice, rather than going through the expected motions without thought. You are learning some amazing things on your walkabout. Thank you for sharing them with us in the Photo-Heart Connection!
Mohamed Kone · February 5, 2013 at 5:43 pm
Marilyn,
Thank you dearly for the words and images you shared. You are helping the reader re-visit many assumptions about this great destination for vacation.
There is a definite similarity with our lives where meaning and fulfillment could be derived from the most simple, gracious, enduring and overlooked part of our existence. Thank you for the opportunity Marilyn!
Cheryl · February 7, 2013 at 8:16 pm
This story of the Big Island and the people you met has captured my imagination. My husband and I travel all over. We love picking unique places to live for a time period. The Big Island has been on his list ever since he visited it years ago. It is now on my list. Thank you for sharing your story and photos.