The past year..

It's been odd. Since moving out here, into the midst of the mountains and its people, I find myself increasingly disoriented.

A few days back, a friend and I had a conversation about the state of the arts in Virginia, and in the rural Appalachia in particular. I recall telling her that I believed this-- regardless of income, those who create have an inherent value to society. We do what few have done before. We are a cultural asset.

Looking back on the past three years, I find that I believe this assessment wholeheartedly. We must create to further our kind. Yet how many realize that this is so? How many are so hopelessly romantic?

Shy Serpent. 5x5 inches, mixed media.