kandinsky on painting

"Painting is an art. And art is a power that should be aimed at developing the soul. If art does not do this job, the abyss that separates us from God is left without a bridge.

The artist owes his talent to God and has to settle this debt. To do this, he has to work hard, know that he is free in his art but not in his commitment to life. Everything he feels and thinks is part of the raw material with which to improve the spiritual atmosphere around him.

Beauty, whether in art or in a woman, cannot be empty; it has to be at the service of humankind and the world."

from paulo coelho's blog. also check wiki for more on kandinsky.

what's he doing?

that was my first reaction, watching eric lewis rocking the piano... but once you watch and listen, you'll be more and more amazed. he's playing evanescence's going under, but... in an entirely different way. listen and enjoy.

neighborhood action

this article in business week deals with the effects of long-term commuting - does more money and other benefits make you happier if you have to travel 2-3h a day? results seem to imply otherwise... check it out!