Antigua Street (detail), an experimental painting after the style of experimenter Paul Gauguin. (For full and larger view, click and click again.)
I wanted to see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.*
Now there is a responsible approach to life. Consider it as one grand experiment.
Not everybody can, or will, but if we have a modicum of wherewithal, live in a free culture, trust that we have some years still ahead, and any curiosity about how it would be if . . . . Then we can experiment. And should.
We only live once. Much of it is proscribed. But there’s a great deal that’s just up to us. It seems only right that we take at least a few calculated risks that might eventuate into something that would never otherwise happen, or be learned. And maybe daily.
I read a book once on the creative process suggesting we can create, and even name, an “alter ego” for ourselves. That “other person” then has the permission and expectation to try things our own person might never consider. Sounds wild. I toyed with it. I kept my last name but took on the new first name of “Risk.”
“Risk Moore.” It became a reminder that taking risks is part of what I’m supposed to be doing, at least sometimes.
Risk, in some areas, is another word for faith.
The painter Paul Gauguin took a lot of risks. Actually many were irresponsible and in the end he died singularly unsuccessful and miserable. But artistically he experimented in ways that opened a whole new way of making art. If he hadn’t done it, we wouldn’t have it. He himself didn’t know what was in him until he began to experiment.
I’ve let some of what he learned–about strong color and simplified shapes, not to mention the intrigue of peoples in another culture–influence me. I just made a painting along those lines. It’s here, from a photo I took on the streets of Antigua, Guatemala some years back. It was fun to do, and further stretched my horizons.
So, I say, experiment. Go beyond current experience.
Keep your moral boundaries intact, of course, lest the results of your experiments suck you under.
But under God there’s a wide world yet to be explored, a universe actually, starting within our own minds.
It requires a bit of courage, a bit of faith, a bit of imagination. Who knows what will come of it?
Except that much more life.
_______________________
*Ecc. 2:3b
For more on this, see “Try Things–You Never Know” (listed at right).
Feel free to share with a friend.
Next time: Here’s a Gift: Work. Coming Sunday.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
9:26 am
I love it and I accept the challenge!
12:20 pm
Dear Risk Moore,
I love that your alter ego’s name is also an encouragement to others to get out of their comfort zones. Amen.
1:24 pm
I love it too. Actually, I think it’s what I’m doing now. Trying things I’ve never had time to do before and excited about what lies ahead. I haven’t thought about another name for an alter ego. Rocky still fits pretty well, especially since I live at the base of the Rockies!!
1:27 pm
To One Risk Moore from Another Risk Moore Donaldson (did I risk more becoming a Donaldson? I think not.) You are always my mentor and one I’d risk anything for. Bernie May, another risk-taker, said once: “Take risks for God!” (As he flew away into the jungle…) No risks with God as Pilot. Love, Riskette the Red
2:28 pm
Thanks Hyatt, I think in art or writing risk taking is a doorway to unique creativity and productivity. In that uniqueness, there is a risk no one will appreciate or understand your work. It seems many of the great painters had that experience. One thing I am learning, here in Japan, is to complete the work that is truest to my own heart; and hopefully, following the lead of the Holy Spirit, without worrying about the marketability of the work. Regarding writing, I am experiencing a very freeing season right now… but obviously, at some point, I will have to eat! I am enjoying your thoughts. Love to you and Anne, Carmen
2:58 pm
Risk Moore. Perfect. willing to step out of your comfort zone and respond to the nudge for something Moore…something new that you didn’t know was in you. Your model is inspiration to me as I take fledgling wing from the nest of familiarity. Praying for His updraft!
8:07 pm
I love the painting. I’m wondering if it would still work if you gave the faces more detail. I like faces.
8:08 pm
Hyatt, you are a prescription for adventure! When you described life as, “Much of it is proscribed,” I thought it might have been a typo for “prescribed” (of course you could get away with calling it artistic license with Orthography) until I discovered from my online dictionary that PROscribed is an actual word. I think both words make sense when you use them to describe life:
Prescribe means “to set down authoritatively for direction” or “to set down a medical procedure in order to cure or alleviate symptoms.” The noun form is prescription, that is, something prescribed.
Proscribe means “prohibit or limit” or “ostracize or avoid in a social sense.” The noun form is proscription.
I’m grateful that the Prescriber for my life is so good and holy and awesome. Yay God! And hey, thanks for the new addition to my vocab!
9:41 pm
Just when I start to think “what in the world am I doing????” You send one of these blogs and it seems to sooth and reassure. This fit so perfectly. Thank you. -Lynn
PS Love the name “Risk Moore”- can picture it as one of those super spy or super hero names. Also can’t get my eyes off the whole painting, really pulls the viewer into it.
10:08 pm
I think we all have an alter ego.possibly more than one.so no need to baptize him. Unless of course he goes off the tracks and you are asked to foot the bills.Aliases were then so conveniently invented. The real and endless struggle is to unify your different characters into one normal looking specimen.Otherwise shrinks and neglected wives ( i.e. Gauguin´s ) brand them schizos. Nevertheless Risky sounds great as a nom de plume except in fatherhood suits.
6:44 am
I love the painting, love your new name and need this gentle push to step up. I “happened” upon this today also and wondered what I would do if this was said to me by the All Powerful? “Get ready. I will give you every place where you set your foot. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. I will never leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous…do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you.”
7:47 am
I love the way you put it Risk Moore. It makes for a Moore regretless life.