Art is everywhere, if you choose to look.
Lately, as the weather becomes a slightly more pleasurable each day, I am taking the opportunity to get back out on the streets of Toronto to observe what really happens here.
Last Thursday, on the way to an appointment, I was fortunate to notice something I had never seen before.
Just about any day you’ll find Ross Ward hunched over on Yonge Street tending to his art. The ‘Birdman of Toronto’ has been a fixture on these streets in various locations for well over a decade, and during each day he crafts, and sells, palm-sized birds.
Once only a hobby — this is now more than whittling — Ward carves out shapes of common birds from reclaimed wood. There is always a piece in progress, and always a small flock for sale on his concrete workspace.
Perhaps in our day-to-day journeys, we don’t look close enough at all the people. We don’t often observe enough to see art just happening here and there on our landscape. I’ve wandered this street how many times and only last week did I notice the man. I saw him again on the weekend.
Appreciating the beauty of his work, I bought a bird as a gift for someone . . . or maybe a souvenir for myself to one day remember my time in this city.
Couldn’t we all use more memorable hand-made art?
weights and measures
Assign a weight to each issue you face, every problem you encounter and objectionable instance you endure in your day-to-day existence.
What is the unit of measurement you will choose for the negative vibes, uncaring attitudes, or ignorant comments you experience from others?
Size and substance are not immeasurable.
Mass and significance vary by classification, but practicality dictates the terms you use to identify volume: a mouthful of vitriol, handful of hatred, several ounces of misfortune, a gram or two of naïveté, dash of criticism, dollop of guilt, or pound of misdirected anger.
How many bags will you fill with harsh emotions, unsettled grievances, and undeserved opinions?
It is our nature to compartmentalize.
Where does it fit?
What is the weight on your shoulders?
Realize, before you step further into the day, that this is not yours to carry.
© 2023 j.g. lewis