The power of art
I always smile at the adage “What would Earth be without art? Eh.”
It is the truth. Art adds so much beauty, color and depth to our lives. It makes us look at things in a new way and, in some cases, reinterpret things we may have seen our entire lives.
Pencil drawing of Yksi (No.1) cabin by Carol Vyncke, 1992.
Art is infinite in the forms it can take. Not limited to just paintings and watercolors, art encompasses sculpting, photography, drawing, writing, theatre, and really any form of creative expression. Art requires imagination by both the artist and the viewer of the art. Art can take us places without even having to leave a room.
Making creative art from discarded objects has always fascinated me. It’s a form of upcycling, or recycling (something) in such a way that the resulting product is of a higher value than the original item.
A fun example of this is beach glass that is found on the shores of Lake Superior, the oceans, and other large lakes. These discarded pieces of glass, tossed by the waves and frosted and polished by the continual rub on rocks and sand, are transformed into jewelry and other stunning pieces of art including windows and sun catchers — upcycling trash into art.
Beach glass art, courtesy Jennifer Nalbone @goodschoolfarm.
Many of the signs at the cabins are also made by local artists. These are practical items but made beautiful through the artists’ unique talent, creativity, and wise use of materials.
Art is all around us. Take a minute to admire or create some art today.
Artful painting by Jeff Frenette (StandUP Signs), 2022.
Artists (from left): Aaron Maki, Old Hand Design Company; Celeste; Lisa Rydin Erickson; Kristine Cooper.