cover artist Each and everyone of us holds a piece to this solution,
and each of us have a responsibility to share the particular giſts and talents we have. It has been said that every time we celebrate beauty, we advance closer to Heaven. Tere are many ways to celebrate beauty which include singing, dancing, painting, writing, praying—the possibilities are infinite. Tis is the primary principle of the Essential Renaissance: Celebrate beauty and you are closer to Heaven. Create beauty and you bring Heaven to Earth. In his travels through Florida, William Bartram, the
The Ecology of a Florida Sandhill in Autumn by Johnny Dame
W
ith my work, I have been blessed with the ability to fuse together my greatest loves: Nature, Art and Spirituality. Prepared by my Parents and
embellished by my own discoveries, I have arrived at this revelation: I am a Spiritual Naturalist-Artist. I have always been fascinated with the mysteries and glories of the sky, the land, the waters and the animals and plants. I have also been fascinated by the Peoples of this Earth most sincerely connected to this Earth, particularly the Native Americans, of which I am Choctaw by heritage. Tere is a special energy moving through the Universe
affecting all things animate and inanimate. Having recognized this movement from an early age, I have dedicated my life to studying and celebrating it. Te Lakota have a name which describes it beautifully: “S’kan, Taku S’kan S’kan” which translates to “Something in movement, Spiritual Vitality.” Te Christians recognize this as “Te Holy Spirit,” the Chinese call it “Tao,” and most ancient cultures have recognized it and named it as well. I have chosen to describe it as “Te Holy Organic Pattern.” To recognize this pattern is to recognize the inter-
relationship of all things, and thus I create my art with a desire to express my appreciation and devotion toward the Spirit of these inter-relationships. We live in a unique time in the development of this Planet and the Human Race, and we are faced with enormous tasks of healing the Planet and providing the necessary resources for sustainability and survival. In the Native American Wisdom Traditions, it is said that all decisions we make should take into account the next Seven Generations.
8 Central Florida
www.NACFL.com
famous Spiritual Naturalist of the 18th Century, oſten encountered a Spiritual Condition in the Land that filled him with Spiritual Ecstasy. He described it as “Elysian” which translates to “Heaven on Earth.” In my travels and experiences, I have also encountered this Sacred Condition in the Land. It is from this Blessing that I am inspired and from which I create my Art.
Itchetucknee Wildflower Wheel 2000
Johnny Dame is available for Commissioned Paintings and Drawings, Murals, Speaking Engagements and Classroom Presentations. His email is
cypresseagle65@aol.com. Visit his website:
www.johnnydame.com for upcoming events. His Instagram page cypresseagle includes more and beautiful videos. Check both out—you’ll be glad you did!
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