We are Less Alone With the Dead

I have read books which have brought me closer to a sense of unity with others than many relationships in my life. I am not alone. It is exciting when I recognize a disposition in other minds and creatives who, even though they have died, strengthen my desire to evolve. Others have gone before me and perhaps they also felt alone to a degree, but that knowledge that they existed gives me a sense of communion.

I just received a book from my husband Grant called Body Sweats: the uncensored writings of Elsa Von Freytag-Loringhoven. I am excited by who this woman was, how she existed, how she influenced other artists. From what other artists say about her, she lived art.

I felt much this way with Anais Nin, DH Lawrence, Carson McCullers, and the list goes on… The past informs all of the present and we are here because of them. Their work was profoundly individual and also profoundly informed by others. Henry Miller was influenced by DH Lawrence, DH Lawrence by Thomas Hardy, etc. We can reach back in time with every person to see these connections. We aren’t alone, death is just a part of living, and making work that lives beyond us is important for those ahead of us.