Monday, May 14, 2007

Black and White Series: Kindness at the Crossroads (2005)






















Last night I wasn't able to sleep so I read for awhile. When I still wasn't able to sleep, I listened to the end of the unabridged audio version of the book, ZEN AND THE ART OF MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE, by Robert Pirsig, which I have been listening to as I weave and paint during the last several days. The book is deeply moving for me, especially the section at the end that was added in 1984. The end of the book brought me to tears, after which I was able to sleep well.

It was when I was 26 years old that I first read ZEN AND THE ART OF MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE, around ten years into my life as an artist. As was the case the first time I read the book, there was much that went way over my head. Still, what I felt I did understand gave me hope.

Listening to Pirsig's description of areas of Oregon and Northern California, where I have taken multiple solo road trips, brought back my own memories.

Also see ZEN AND THE ART OF MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE route and landscape between Minnesota and San Francisco.

2 comments:

Loren said...

When things calm down around here in a month or so, I plan on re-reading and commenting on Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

Upon reading it, I said, "Pirsig's written my life."

robin andrea said...

It's been a few days since I last stopped in, am. I was so surprised to see your black and white art. Such an interesting departure from your usually very colorful work. I like it very much.

I've never read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. I remember wanting to, but putting it off. Now might be just the right time. Thanks for the reminder.