I have pondered adding a donation button to my site for quite some time.  I suppose one of the reasons that has prevented me from doing so earlier is the pride element.  But even more than that, is the fact that there are countless desperate people out there who are suffering more than I.  The fact that there are people on our earth at this very moment starving to death, is a disgrace upon the human race.

     That said, we all suffer one way or another, it seems to be the nature of this reality we share.  Take Buddha's first noble truth.  All life is suffering.  To live is to suffer.

     Some may want to argue the point and as long as you are healthy, wealthy and happy, one might even be able to believe that suffering is not endemic within our reality.  I guess sitting under a Bodhi tree for an extended period of time can breed some strange notions.  Then again, Buddha's truth of our eventual time and inevitable need to let go of our materially supported sense of happiness is unavoidable.  No matter how many millions (or is that billions these days) one might be in the possession of, it's all got to go sometime.  The only constant is change and for those who are under the illusion that happiness can be acquired materialistically, the truth of impermanence can only achieve a greater level of suffering in the end.

     Of course Buddha also found an answer to our human dilemma under that sacred tree.  And a simple one at that.  Have your millions or billions, just don't be attached to them.  Easier said than done.  Especially if what brought you joy was the child you just lost.  Suffering is inherent.  Love without the trap of attachment is a difficult emotional road to master.  Yet the truth is... the tighter we hold on, the more it hurts.

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"Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed."

† Mahatma Gandhi

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     These days it seems everyone is beggin' for change.   From the bona fide homeless person sleeping on the city sidewalk, to the manufactured ones on Wall Street, everyone has... and would like a handout.  Even the one who recently inherited the Whitehouse is in need of some change, now that he's got the job.  And this brings me to the reason why I now hold out my hand along the sidewalk of Cyber St.  When times are tough, the world looks to cut its perceived luxuries like art and artists, and although it and they may provide spiritual sustenance, the truth is... the hungry first need to be fed.  Or as a wise man once said, "God comes to the hungry, in the form of food."  Oil covered canvas lacks a certain flavor and physical sustenance.  And yet... like the now infamous corporate jets, art does serve a purpose greater than merely a rich man's investment.  If pure of heart, the artist can lift our spirit and allow us a peek at life beyond our corporeal sufferings.

     For most of my (for lack of a better term) "artistic career", I have endeavored to keep my work free of commercial influence.  Rather than compromise my artistic expression in pencil or paint, I would venture into other avenues to make a buck.  Sign painting and such was how I paid the bills in the past, but in my latest travels down that road my efforts have proven fruitless.  All it managed to do was to divert my attention from what I know in my heart I should be doing.  Creating art.

     So here I sit, like the proverbial busker on the street, hat in hand, playing my song.  Financially driven pride is the luxury I can no longer afford.  If given a choice, do those who see fit to judge really believe that pulling up boot straps is the answer for those without?  I mean really, if my art was paying the rent I would not be here writing this.  I would be busy working on a painting of divine inspiration, doing my part in lifting the human spirit.

In the studio on Jacks Lake Rd.

     My parents gave me the gift of a hard work ethic.  Through the application of this work ethic I have found the purpose of art to be more than simply an alleviation of personal financial woes.  There is purpose and life beyond our immediate physical existence.  Paradoxically, in order to do the ethereal work, one needs the material means to do it.  Forsaking purpose is not an option.  Giving up and getting a "real job" is not an option.  After thirty years of this, I would rather live life freely on the street, then disown my heart.

     So are there other options than giving up purpose or art?  The government art grant system within my country has been cut.  And to be honest, I never trusted or believed in that option anyway.  I mean... should we trust our freedom of expression to the dictates of government?  I've seen some of the things that have received grants and I half suspect that it was designed to alienate the general population from any appreciation of art whatsoever.  So rather than bank on any government assistance, I make my plea directly to you.  Galleries, publishing companies or government grants, they all lead to the same end.  Liaisons or go betweens who pervert the expression presented for their own gain.

     The election of Barack Obama has shown us many things.  One of those things is that the internet is a tool worthy of exploitation and exploration.  He sang his song, people liked what they heard and filled his guitar case.  In truth, he is not unlike a monk with his begging bowl or the busker sharing his tune for change.  In fact, most politicians are nothing more than beggars and bums.  I don't judge him on this but rather take a page from Obama's playbook.  Don't worry, I won't be incessantly emailing people for contributions of five to fifteen dollars, but I am setting my hat on the cyber sidewalk.  Leaving it to those who should happen to pass whether they wish to support my efforts or not.

     Simple appreciation for what I do is number one.  One need and can not give what they don't have.  But just maybe... if you should be moved by a specific pencil drawing or painting, or perhaps value the candor of my journal entries, you could help me to continue to do the work.  There are many forms of public service and from my perspective, artistic expression is and should remain one of them.  As with everything we support through purchase or contribution, a vote is cast.  So it is and so will be.

     My song is my art.  My art is my job.  My job is to serve.  Throughout my site there are images available free for personal download.  Some artists choose to see this facet of the internet as theft, but I choose to look at it in another way.  If the work is truly meant to serve it should be made available.  And made available even to those who cannot afford to buy an original or print.  If this busking the net thing works I may even improve on the quality of the images available.  So here it is the question I have avoided asking until now.

     If you appreciate what I do and have a buck or two to spare, please feel free to download any image you like, and if you could, please... can you spare some change?

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     To all those who have supported my artistic adventures in the past, whether inspirational or fiscal, I thank you.

Petrus Boots
petrus@petrusboots.com
www.petrusboots.com

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