The role of the artist, then, precisely, is to illuminate that darkness, blaze roads through the vast forest, so that we will not, in all our doing, lose sight of its purpose, which is, after all, to make the world a more human dwelling place.
-James Baldwin
Art has the power to make ideas felt
-Emma Goldman
Growing up I was fascinated with superheroes. I wanted to be the one fighting crime in the name of justice, the one standing up against oppression, the one who rescued the damsel in distress, and the one fighting to save the world. The admiration I had for those high flying, acrobatic, evil butt-kicking, super powered fighters still holds to this day. Now that I’m older I’ve realized that super powers don’t exist, that punches hurt, that bullets kill, that injustices sometimes go unanswered, and that you don’t always get the girl. Our world doesn’t need fictional superheroes with unrealistic superpowers, we need real, living, mortal, human heroes. I’ve read about some and I’ve seen others. I met some and I even have the pleasure of personally knowing some of them. This world is full of these great and admirable men and women who are real life superheroes. We can all be superheroes by emulating and upholding the values which they stand for and we admire. Be noble, be courageous, be righteous, be strong, be kind, be admirable. We can all join the forces of good and fight to make this world a better place. I’m taking on the challenge, I’m fighting evil and darkness, not only in the world but also within myself. I hope you have the courage and strength to do as well.
The following is a collection of illustrations by Adam Thompson. In his words, “Re-purposing the artwork of Jim Lee, Francis Manapul, and some others, along with my own, and combining it with my usual minimalistic style, I’ve developed this project spotlighting some quotes from these heroes that can inspire us all daily. Enjoy!”
Poem by American poet and author Sylvia Plath illustrated by Zen Pencil.
I’m at a moment in my life where I too stand before the giant fig tree of opportunities. I don’t exactly know which direction to go in. I have before me dozens of different paths that I could take but lately I feel sort of stalled. I’m stalled not by a lack of motivation, drive, or intelligence, what holds me back is deciding which branch to follow, what holds me back is my decision. I know that no matter what I choose I will do a good job, I consider myself a very able human being and once committed I will put my all into it; but with all these opportunities before me i’m overwhelmed at times, I mean how do you chose the right path? How do you know that the one you chose is the one that is best fitting for you? There’s is no way of really knowing since you can only live one path at a time. You have to chose and don’t let the fear of choosing the wrong path stop you from deciding on one. If you realize that the path you are on is not as fulfilling as you thought it would be then have the courage to choose a new path and start the journey once again. Commit with all the energy in your being to it, and have faith that whatever path you chose is the path for you. If you sit and do nothing, the opportunities that are all around you will slowly wither and disappear. Windows of opportunity open but they also sure do close. Don’t let the moment pass.Inaction is your worst enemy. Decide, commit and succeed.
“La gente que amas se convierten en fantasmas dentro de ti y de esta manera los mantienes vivos.”
-Foto De Robert Montgomery
Yo No Estoy Ahi
“No te pares frente a mi tumba a llorar.
Yo no estoy ahí. Yo no duermo.
Soy los miles de vientos que soplan;
Soy el brillo sobre la nieve;
Soy la luz del sol brillando sobre granos maduros;
Soy la lluvia gentil del otoño;
Soy el dia cuando nace;
Soy los pájaros que circulan es su vuelo;
Soy el brillo suave de las estrellas en la noche;
No the pares frente a mi tumba a llorar;
Yo no estoy ahí. Yo no me morí.”
-Modificado del original de Elizabeth Frye
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I am not Dead
“Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on snow;
I am sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn rain;
When you awake to greet the dawn
I am the day as it is born;
I am birds in circling flight;
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.”
-modified from the original by Mary Elizabeth Frye
A great Zen pencil illustration to the words of Terence McKenna, the American lecturer, writer, and psychonaut who reminds us to have courage and follow the will of our hearts. You can’t wait for the day when you are 100% ready because you will never be fully prepared. We don’t know what challenges tomorrow holds and you will face many obstacles along your path. Don’t be discouraged and face adversity head on. Put trust in yourself, have courage and you will find hidden strengths to defeat all odds and persevere.
A wonderful piece by Zen Pencil with illustrations to the words of the Great Carl Sagan, who reminds us to be grateful for this wonderful opportunity we have to experience the greatest miracle of all: life. I hope you make the most of your experience and help those around you make the most of theirs.
____________________________________ La definición de la palabra Sonder La realización de que cada persona desconocida que cruzas esta viviendo una vida tan vivida y compleja como la tuya–llena con sus propias ambiciones, amigos, rutinas, preocupaciones y locuras– una historia épica que continua invisiblemente a tu alrededor, como un hormigón que se extiende debajo de la tierra, […]
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