Gates at the Fushimi, Inari Shrine, Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto, Japan is the ancient home of the Imperial Court and considered the center of Japanese religion, aesthetics, music, theatre and dance.

The city holds about 20 percent of Japan’s national treasures including more than 1,700 Buddhist temples and 300 Shinto shrines.  The Japanese aesthetic of serenity is felt as you visit the Imperial Gardens, the Golden Pavillion and the Toji Temple.

My friend, Gary Arndt photographed this walkway while he visited the Fushimi, Inari Shrine.  Gary is taking a global journey, his website Everything-Everywhere has amazing first-hand insights into Kyoto and Japan.  This picture reminded me of the Gates in New York City and the belief that the arts can bring ages and cultures together.

I have learned that Japan’s Ministry of Education is responsible for most official support and patronage of the arts.  The ministry has a conservative position favoring traditional arts and crafts and “high culture.”  The Ministry designates “National Treasures”  which include not only great works of art—paintings, sculptures, or architectural masterpieces but also art forms and artists.

Many traditional artistic forms and aesthetic genre are regarded as distinctively Japanese: ukiyo-e woodblock prints, dramatic forms such as No’ and Kabuki, landscape gardening, architectural styles, poetic genre such as haiku (the 17-syllable verse form), Zen philosophy, flower arranging (ikebana), tea ceremony, and taiko drum music are a few examples.

If you are traveling, Kyoto is the place to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.   Here at home, we can look beneath the surface and realize Japanese culture is already a part of our lives.  I have a “Zen Rock Garden” on my desk which was a gift to help soothe my weary mind.  A hand-painted teapot and matching cups reminds me of the beauty of a Geisha tea service.  My silk robe is embroidered with Japanese cherry blossoms.

Our world may seem very large, but we’re all connected.  Today, let’s appreciate the aesthetic beauty and serenity of Japan.  Joy

I.M. Pei's Pyramid at the Louvre

In 1198, King Philippe Auguste began construction of the Louvre as a fortress to protect the city of Paris.  Over the next 800 years, the fortress evolved into a Royal Palace of Napoleon, and in 1793 became the Louvre Museum.

The half-mile long building has seen it all.  It protected the city through the 100-year War of the Middle Ages.  It protected and hid priceless artworks from Hitler’s invading army during World War II.

It is the world’s most visited museum with a 400,000 piece collection which includes Egyptian, Greek and Roman Antiquities, Sculptures, Paintings and Drawings.   Over 35,000 works are on display everyday such as the well known masterpieces, Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.

In 1988, famed artist I.M. Pei was commissioned to add a piece to the collection, the controversial “La Pyramide Inversee” resulted.  The Louvre is a landmark and significant part of the culture in Paris.

The unique combination of historical masterworks and modern collections is unlike any other.  The vast scope of the museum is inspiring.  From Classical to Impressionism to Modern Sculpture, the artistic spirit is felt when you walk in the front door.

I believe that every person has an artistic spirit.  We each see colors in our own way.  This is evident at a paint store which has 30 different colors of  “white”.  I have to wonder then, why is it that we ignore our inner voice instead of pursuing our artistic dreams?

The great artist, Vincent Van Gogh once said “If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint,” then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.”

Critics did not consider Van Gogh a “worthy artist” and he sold only 1 painting during his lifetime.  While that rejection probably contributed to his depression and suicide, it did not stop him from painting. He painted over 800 paintings during the last 5 years of his life.

It seems odd that the number 800 applies to both the Louvre and Van Gogh.   Great artworks stand the test of time, as is proven in the building.  As an artist, there is an intense need to express what you are feeling and paint daily.

Can you imagine having that strong inner voice that needs to be creative?

Today’s Living Global idea is to be artistic.  Go to the paint store and buy something colorful.  Visit a craft store and decide to start a new hobby.  Join a pottery class at a local studio.

Let’s go and enjoy our artistic spirit – Joy