The title comes from part of a line from an opera I saw this weekend. And its true. Art lasts forever. Not only in the tangible things we witness like opera or a painting, a piece of fashion or a song that reminds us of some special moment. It lasts in that place in our psyche that no one can see, that we can usually only access ourselves; that leaves us breathless or exhilarated, proud or even sad and reminds us to appreciate the culture and life around us.
Occasionally we are fortunate enough to glimpse art and culture from another person's perspective. And if we are paying attention, that idea that art really lasts forever is never more true. I had that opportunity this weekend, showing someone around who had never been to my hometown and what I have discovered is that the things I take for granted, the art and culture that is around me has its own vibrancy and reality and whether I am a part of it or not, as a participant or a creator of it, it will last forever and it does have an impact on others.
This weekend I too discovered both tangible and intangible things about my hometown that I had never considered before...I even came across monuments I had never seen before and in the most unlikely of places. Places I have frequented took on greater significance because I had the unique opportunity of 'showing off' my hometown a little. And I was able to take pride in the art and culture this city produces in a way that I had not before.
Am I married to my hometown? I certainly am not and almost anyone you meet who has spent 10 minutes with me would know that. But I found a greater appreciation for where I am right now then I have in a while. And I came to understand what it means that art lasts forever. It is a simple as someone asking...
What's next???
Selena