Wiki defines Art as " a diverse range of human activities involving the creation of visual, auditory or performing artifacts, which express the creator's imagination, conceptual ideas,  or technical skill, intended to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. 

For me, Art is one of the many daily gifts that are bestowed to me on behalf of my Higher Power who I choose to call God. I believe the essence of this particular gift was infused early on. Initially it only seemed to manifest itself on the rarest of occasions. I remember one of my earliest pieces (1981) being comprised of nothing more than a few simple lines arranged in such a way my art teacher chose the piece and included it on the back cover of our schools annual bulletin. (I was 12 at the time).

8 years past before I picked up paper or pencil again (1989). Alone with my thoughts, I passed the time by doodling centerpoint where by you find the exact center of your piece and you work outwardly from there (Mandala style). I found solace and peace with this technique as it kept me company for a time. The next lapse in artistic expression lasted ironically for another 8 years. 1997 brought out the creative builder within. Engaged for the first time I was eager to please and went to great lengths to express my feelings for my bride to be. Building everything from flower benches to furniture and everything in between. My wife used to say that I suffered from "CBD" no not Cannabidiol but rather Compulsive Building Disorder...LOL. Many wonderful projects and collaborations were produced over the next 20+ years. 

In 2018 I became actively aware of a life threatening disease for which there is no know cure. Unbeknownst to me, this disease had been stocking me from an early age. The disease ravaged my life to the point where I was unrecognizable, even to those who knew me best. My disease selfishly destroyed everything I held dear...My body, my mind, my spirit, my family, my friends, my joy, my wonder, my love, the ability to work...It took everything. I still have the sign that used to hang over my workshop that read " DAD'S FIX IT SHOP broken toys and feelings mended here" There was a time that people would trust me to repair there broken things. But I was powerless to fix this on my own. The disease eventually broke me down to a point where simple daily functions required maximum effort just to get through the day. 

I spent the early days learning to summon the required tools and rise above life's battles and how to be quiet and still. After a mutual separation I surrendered to the disease, I admitted that I was powerless over it and began the process of learning to accept life on life's terms. After reflecting on the stages of my life to date, I began to understand and identify with the life cycles of a butterfly. As an egg I had no concept, as a larve (caterpillar) I mindlessly consumed everything in sight until I was all alone. Internal isolation forcibly delayed the Pupa (chrysalis stage) for many years. The gift of Art I received early on would begin to blossom and transform me over the next few years as I spent practically every waking moment refining, exploring and pushing my artistic boundaries as I over looked a beautiful view of the lake from mom's sun room. I was starting to do well again and it wasn't long before I regained my senses, my strength and complete sense of oneself. I began working again...however this time the art stayed with me, it was here for good. The joy, wonder and love for its elements have become an extension of the new me and for this I am eternally grateful. I have so much to be grateful for today and I pray that the gift of Art graciously allows Amazing Elementals to serve you and yours.

Humbly and Respectfully,

ML