loving art, science and creative kids
1/28/2017 10:52:27 PM
Surf’s Up
Acrylic on Canvas, gold frame, 48” by 36” / $ 699
Violent Storms A’ Comin’
A few days ago a friend of mine went to a Buddhist induction ceremony where initiates were given a bowl and robe and told that from that moment on these objects are their only possessions. Letting go of attachment, being mindful and focused, having kindness and compassion, reducing suffering and increasing happiness are all that mattered in taking Buddhist vows. Property ownership is meaningless to a monk.
This story made me wonder what it would be like to give up everything I own? I realize that you can’t take valued objects with you when you die, but possessing and creating beautiful art has always made me feel good. I like the idea of passing it on to my children, though most of my possessions they don’t want. As a visual person, both natural and human-made environments give me pleasure. Just as I appreciate observing birds in the wild, I enjoy putting my hands around a lovely piece of Native American pottery I own to feel ripples in the clay that the potter made when crafting the bowl.
I was thinking, with some embarrassment, just how attached I am to possessions when I switched on the television and it happened to be tuned into the weather channel. They were showing to old images of the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. I had not given a great deal of consideration to the trauma that beset the New Jersey Coast but when I heard the newscaster mention Barnegat Bay, he grabbed my attention. My family had once owned a summer home on Long Beach Island. Located between the Bay and Ocean, the narrow strip of land bore the brunt of the hurricane’s force. It struck me that I can no longer bury my head and say that losing everything is not a possibility for disaster came close during the past two years.
Several trees landed on my property due to erratic weather conditions that caused rain to oversaturate the land. One tree smashed through the roof of my house while I was looking out the window and the second demolished a car in the driveway. In both cases, members of our family were inches away from being killed. I wonder if these storms going the be the norm in the future? Not understanding the science behind rising temperatures and weather, I decided to explore more deeply why a warming climate produces violent storms that include icy cold winters.
As early as 2007, NASA predicted that increased levels of carbon dioxide would make continents warm more quickly than oceans, resulting in storms becoming more vigorous. On the west coast, an increased amount of rain and snow could solve California’s problems of summer drought, as long as there are ways to capture rainwater before grounds are saturated and prone to flooding. However, the west coast will also see an increase in lightning strikes which are prone to start wildfires. Central and eastern states will face their own set of problems. They will be vulnerable to numerous severe disturbances and thunderstorms like Sandy, Katrina, Andrew and Ike. Social, economic, physical and psychological scars will be left behind for years in the future for those living in harm's way.
I have a friend who owns a champagne bar on the island of Manhattan. He was horrified to discover what can happen when a violent storm hits low land. During Sandy, his bar flooded. My first thought when he described floating bottles of champagne was, “how great, I’ll take a few.” Unfortunately, the corks were contaminated and the labels came off so there was no way of knowing what was floating. It was a waste of hundreds of bottles of good wine and lost revenue
Doyle Rice, writing for USA Today, reported on proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Their scientists say that thunderstorms and violent tornadoes will have “ a robust increase across parts of the U.S. in upcoming decades because of climate change.” Between the Rockies and the Atlantic, severe storms could increase as much as 40 percent. The scientists explain that there are two primary ingredients needed to produce monster storms. The first occurs when the air in the lower atmosphere warms. Warm air rises carrying moisture to high elevations. The second factor is a strong vertical current of wind that spins up energy and the moisture in the atmosphere.
If surface ocean water is cold and a strong wind churns up the surface, the cooler water can weaken the storm. But, if the deeper waters are too warm then there is no braking mechanism for hurricanes. For example, Hurricane Katrina intensified significantly when it hit deep pools of warm water in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Nature Conservatory predicts that rising temperatures will cause one-quarter of earth’s species to become extinct by 2050. Ocean acidification, heat waves, droughts, and floods are already endangering species. Poverty, hunger, and disease are among the reasons so many people migrate from their homes in Africa and the middle-east. Rising sea levels in Pakistan new the Indus Delta have resulted in salty soils rendering 1 million hectares of land arid. Families in Pakistan are on the move.
In addition to oil, warlords in that part of the world fight fiercely to control water. With so much devastation due to war and with a lack of water for crops and animals, survival is at stake. What can a family do but seek shelter elsewhere? Though there have always been natural and human-induced disasters, an increasing number of people are having to leave their homelands. According to the United Nations, last year eight million people around the world—the largest number ever—were displaced from their homes by conflict and social upheaval.
This migration is occurring close to my home as well. Oregon has been experiencing record numbers of people moving from southern California and locals are getting angry. Upset citizens are placing “No Californian” stickers on For Sale signs according to realtor Lori Fenwick. I wonder if the governor of Oregon will follow in Trump’s footsteps and close the borders to Californians? Why are they fleeing? Drought is the number one reason heard. The taps are running dry.
In New Orleans, the reason is too much ocean water. Since Katrina, there have been four more major hurricanes and the city os losing its coastline faster than any other city of its size. (25 square miles every year). At the current rate of growth in it will take Orleans Parish 20 years to return to its pre-Katrina population according to an article for the Lens: Focused on New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. Friends, climate change is not a theory. In Florida, rising sea levels are affecting roads, drains seawalls and buildings. The ecosystems of Florida Bay, the Everglades, the Ten Thousand Islands and the coastline are already experiencing sea-level stress. Where will people more to when their coastal homes are under water?
97 percent of scientists agree that global warming is happening and that it is human-induced. Why would anyone ignore this information? Who benefits from forbidding them to continue their research and share the results with the public? The bible says,”the truth will set you free.”
Those working for oil companies and in coal mines must realize by now that what they are doing is bad for the rest of society. This is not a matter of liberal vs conservative but is a matter of ignorance vs wishful thinking. It is a matter of money interests. However, global warming is an issue of survival and quality of life for the next generation.
I fear that if we do not continue to reduce carbon emissions a great many more of us will be faced with the loss of our possessions and experience trauma due to war and climate disasters. Isn’t it time to listen to scientists rather than industrialists or politicians who stand to benefit monetarily? If we don’t, perhaps we will all be forced to develop monastic values in response to the climate ’s violent storms.
References:
Artwork is always for sale. Contact me at [email protected]
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1/21/2017 12:07:30 PM
Nurturing
Acrylic Painting, 43”by 84” , $ 1,100.
Though the environment is being destroyed by who are insensitive to their surroundings there is still hope if each of us will take the time to nurture one little seed.
Who Trusts Science Anyway?
It disturbs me that the gap between the attitudes of scientists and those of the general public is widening. Many people do not realize that science is a simply a way of thinking. It is not an absolute and is similar to methods employed by mental health counselors engaged in helping clients overcome personal problems. In both instances, the scientific method begins with collecting background information, forming a hypothesis (a guess) about what is happening, testing the guess, and coming to a conclusion only to start the process over again. It is a never ending cycle of refining results based on tested facts. It requires the researcher, the public (or client) to be willing to be wrong about original assumptions and open to changing their opinion.
Social scientist, Gordon Gauchat was most surprised when he analyzed survey data pertinent to the public’s trust of the scientific community today as compared with forty years ago. He was particularly taken aback with information about conservatives. In 1974, Republicans with college degrees had the highest level of trust in science but as of 2010, they had the lowest. They are not alone in changing their attitude about science. There are many factions in our society that value their own beliefs more than those of the scientific community. Religious groups challenge evolution, industry groups are skeptical of climate change, and wary parents mistrust medical recommendations to vaccinate their children.
What has happened? Why are people so willing to accept pseudoscience and fake reports rather than information that has been tested? I find it even more strange to know that 8 out of 10 Americans believe that scientific advances have improved the lives of most people and 7 out of 10 have a high regard for scientists, yet they distrust the findings of these same investigators.
A 2015 study by the Pew Research Center shows that younger adults are less inclined than older generations to believe vaccines should be required for all children. There is a 37 point gap between scientists’ views about climate change being caused by human activity and those of the general public who believe it is mostly due to natural patterns. 3% are even holdouts who adamantly say that there is no solid evidence the earth is getting warmer. In matters of evolution, 65% of the public do say that humans and other living things have evolved over time while 31% believe humans and other living things have existed in their present forms since the beginning of time.
Scientists who want to understand how to make people more comfortable with scientific information do what good researchers always do, they test their hypotheses. One test demonstrated that when the people were presented census-messages that were the combined results of many scientists, they were more likely to change their opinion than if given arguments based on scientific reasoning. This means that if you think global warming is a hoax, you will most likely not accept a scientific presentation that explains otherwise even if it is filled with accurate data. Instead, if you are told that a censuses of scientists agree to thus and so, then you will be more willing to consider the possibility of the earth’s warming being man-made. (According to NASA’s review of multiple studies on climate change, 97 percent claim that climate-warming is likely due to human activities. )
Consensus-information is powerful because it shows the norm within a community. Though it presents information with a social-science approach rather than a scientific one, it is more comfortable to most people since it is similar to consensus decision-making that is part of the basis for cooperation. Consensus-information gives authority to a contention rather than requiring the individual to become an expert evaluator.
The media has been complicit in making the public more skeptical of scientific studies by promoting false news that emanates from political or business greed. Industries often pay scientists and marketers to spread disinformation. Big business has known for a long time that people make decisions on consensus-information rather than facts and have figured out how to spread doubt in order to build their own consensus-group based on false information. In Merchants of Doubt by Naomi Orestes and Erik Conway, the authors provide story after story about how scientists and advisers with deep connections to politics and industry run effective campaigns to mislead the public.
Let's ask those who work for the media to increase their investigative reporting and challenge where information is coming from. My suspicion, though, is that it will only happen if the public is willing to pay for investigations. There was a time when news departments were independent of advertisers. Edward R Murrow, Barbara Walters, Harry Reasoner, Dan Rather, Bob Woodruff, and Peter Jennings were trusted welcome figures in homes across America. Do you think the public could demand in-depth reporting once again? Are you willing to pay?
Please share your thoughts on my blog site, eichingerfineart.com/blog.
Artwork is always for sale. Please contact me at [email protected].
References:
Gawande, Atul, June 10, 2016, the New Yorker, The Mistrust of Science, http://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/the-mistrust-of-science
Blake, A., January 30, 2015, The Washington Post, Americans’ increasing distrust of Science and not just on climate change; https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2015/01/30/americans-increasing-distrust-of-science-and-not-just-on-climate-change/?utm_term=.00ffeb31f64e
Funk, C. & Rainie, L.: January 29,2015, Pew Research Center Public and Scientists’ Views on Science and Society
Orestes, N. & Conway, E. 2011, Merchants of Doubt, Bloomsbury Publishers
1/14/2017 3:15:50 PM
Thunderbird with the World by Ray Losey - 14 feet - Available
For information go to raylosey.com
The Thunderbird's eye cautiously surveys the blanketed landscape outside out home. It has been years since Portland had so much snow in one fall. Ray measured 14 inches in the driveway. I almost forgot the beauty of seeing white covered branches dipping deeply towards earth. Occasionally a snapped limb peaks up through the snow with its evergreen leaves adding color to the whiteness. I became conscious of the soft silence that covered the earth as large flakes floated downward to be seen swirling under lamp lights.
When I went outside the following day, the crisp cold air was refreshing even as I warmed with the effort of shoveling. By the time I finished my own and my neighbor’s driveway, though my arms stung and back creaked, it felt good seeing what was accomplished in just a few hours. Best of all was realizing that I recuperated quickly and after lunch was ready to find my sled to go speeding down the hill at the end of my street. Listening to bursts of laughter as adults and children joined in the merriment was heart warming. And what a pleasure it was to go cross country skiing from my front door. Who needs a car? We must have enough food stocked in our cupboards to last a month.
As an East Coast transplant, past Portland winters have been too mild for me. I miss bundling up in cold weather and being able to play in the snow. I do not like the idea of traveling hours to a winter resort. Perhaps Michigan spoiled me, for I could ski on the farmer’s fields that abutted my house. With children sound asleep it was easy to take off for an hour of contemplation at 10 pm. When there was a full moon shining on fresh snow it was a haunting time to silently slide through rows of corn stalks.
Traditionally, the third week of January is when crocuses start to bloom at the Bishop's Close in Portland. Ray and I begin our weekly pilgrimage there in order to watch spring unfurl. I wonder what will happen this year? There is no need for deep thoughts when nature makes its presence known. Maybe a new painting will be the result of my observations.
Winter Warmth by Marilynne Eichinger - SOLD
1/7/2017 6:23:16 PM
The Next Generation
Acrylic painting on canvas / in black frame (not shown) / $ 450 / 25” by 20”
Will this couple raise their child to think and reason independently or will their prejudices get passed on?
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How Do You Talk to a Bigot?
A man must be excessively stupid, as well as uncharitable, who believes there is no virtue but on his own side.
Joseph Addison, The Spectator 243, (8 December 1711).
In high school, one of my teachers asked the class, “ How do you talk to a bigot?” The question stayed with me these many years for I found it tremendously difficult to answer. Examining his query scared me because so many family members and friends spoke out against those not made in their own mold.
In the 1950s and 60s, anti-Semitism was rampant as was hatred towards those of color. When Kennedy sought the presidency, wildly disparaging remarks were made against Irish-Catholics and the Pope. In nightclubs and on television, comics made fun of everyone by calling them Dago, White Trash, Paddy, Mik, Hun, Redskin, Honky, and Chink. The audience laughed. These words were part of common parlance and unflatteringly spoken in living rooms nationwide. Movies reinforced cultural differences by mocking minorities with character actors who supported common prejudices. During my student years, so many people spouted self-aggrandizing beliefs that put others down that I could not imagine a way to turn their minds and hearts around.
We have come a long way towards overcoming prejudice. No longer do we have segregated bathrooms based on racial identity though we still are not comfortable with sexual deviations. There are no black-faced minstrels dancing like children on stages nor are religious slurs tolerated in the media. Recent events, though, make me realize that bigotry only went underground for it has not gone away. Many of us are surprised at the boldness of the KKK and Arian Brotherhood who never accepted the idea of the United States as a melting pot of people with diverse backgrounds as an advantage to making the country strong.
Family gatherings are a time that brings differences to the forefront. A friend of mine complained that family members accept her with smiles to her face but then joke and make racial or sexual slurs when she left the room. A few of my southern acquaintances mention more overt snubs. They have relatives who self-righteously are at ease with liberally sprinkling sentences with words like faggots and Niggers. Families have been known to break up over such attitudinal differences.
Bigotry, as defined in Webster’s, is “the stubborn and complete intolerance of any creed, belief, or opinion that differs from one’s own.” Ignorance and fear are two powerful allies of bigotry that seem to be gaining strength. Bigoted people ignore the reality of diversity and cover themselves with security blankets that suppress their fear. They irrationally discriminate against those who are different and play on emotions rather than logic. Belief is elevated above thought and credence is given to lies before investigation. The possibility of error is beyond their imagination. Yet, their absolute acceptance that they are in the right causes a lot of pain.
So how do you get rid of bigotry? Eliminating bigoted beliefs often means giving up power which produces uncomfortable feelings. What do you do when family or friends are the ones promoting disparaging statements? How can tolerance be encouraged and ignorance overcome? Is there a possibility for open, honest communication or do you just have to turn away from those who engage in hateful banter?
Doing nothing is not a good enough response for those living in a democratic society. Democracy only thrives when there is open and honest communication, a willingness to compromise, and an agreement to live by consensus or majority agreements. I have gathered several suggestions on how to respond to a bigot.
- Speak up to let the person know how you feel about their extremist remarks. Then walk away if racial, ethnic, or religious slurs continue.
- Find several like minded people willing meet the offending person at a less emotionally charged time in order to engage in an educational discussion. The meeting can not be confrontational but rather based on shared feelings that speak to fears and prejudices. Try to discover what gave rise to the person’s beliefs. Presenting information to counter long-held prejudices will only be heard if the discussion is non-threatening.
- Decide in advance how important the relationship is to you and if you are willing to leave if the situation can not be resolved? If you come from a household where bigoted behavior was accepted, acknowledge it, but let your family and friends understand that as an adult you have learned to respect others. If your community is not a loving and respectful one, consider moving to one that is.
- Don’t expect prejudiced people to instantly agree with you, but do expect that in your and your family’s presence offending statements will not continue.
5. Remind yourself that bigotry is not a political issue. It usually is passed on from one generation to another. And, it exists across party, religious and state lines. It is in your backyard and cannot be ignored.
Comments by others to give you pause for thought:
“I ask you to uphold the values of America, and remember why so many have come here. We are in a fight for our principles, and our first responsibility is to live by them. No one should be singled out for unfair treatment or unkind words because of their ethnic background or religious faith.”
George Walker Bush, Freedom and Fear Are at War: Address to a Joint Session of Congress and the American People (20 September 2001).
“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.”
Maya Angelou, Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now (1993), p. 12.
“God deliver us all from prejudice and unkindness, and fill us with the love of truth and virtue.”
William Ellery Channing, "Unitarian Christianity", an address to The First Independent Church of Baltimore (5 May 1819)
“I know a good many people, I think, who are bigots, and who know they are bigots, and are sorry for it, but they dare not be anything else.”
Edwin Hubbell Chapin, Living Words (1869) p. 125
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinophobia#Derogatory_terms - List of derogatory words.
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifehack/bigotry-ignorance-and-fear.html _ About bigotryhttp://www.amnottheonlyone.com/how-to-deal-with-bigotry-among-family-and-friends/ - Bigotry among friends and family.
https://www.splcenter.org/20150126/speak-responding-everyday-bigotry- Southern Poverty Law Center- Speak Yup: Responding to Everyday Bigotry
