I had the most fascinating conversation with a girl named Amy on the plane from Austin to New York. As we chatted about everything from recent travels to career and family she expressed that my worldview was 'eudaimonic'. Curious to learn a new word, she explained that, 'philosophers have long distinguished two basic forms of well-being: a 'hedonic' form representing an individual's pleasurable experiences, and a deeper 'eudaimonic,' form that results from striving toward meaning and a noble purpose beyond simple self gratification.' (Quote, Barbara L. Fredrickson)
I don't exactly know how yet, but I know that this word and that conversation will continue to weave its way into my latest body of work, 'gracelands'. Thank you Amy for teaching me a new word and for planting a seed that hopefully will grow and translate into paintings that are not just beautiful to look at, but stir awe and wonder and an understanding of the truth that lies in all of us.