The Art of Hope

How the stars inspire an artist and help him deal with the problems of ordinary life.

In 1960, at the tender age of 13, I was mesmerized by the aurora borealis. The Northern Lights' iridescent curtains spiraled and cascaded across northern Manitoba's star-filled sky. I felt infinitely small yet part of something vast and beautiful.

As anyone knows who has had to endure the trials and tribulations of ordinary life there are often times when even the stars offer little consolation. When a friend or parent dies, when the struggle for survival interferes with our ability to appreciate life it is difficult to stop and think about how these problems are relevant to the overwhelming vastness of space; however, this is the discipline I practice: by remaining conscious of the invisible universal principles underlying life I maintain a sense of perspective - which then allows me to take the time to appreciate the meaning of what I am struggling through.

This cosmic approach, like hope, is a tool necessary to live life purposefully. Hindus say we must use hope as a tool but never forget it is an illusion.

The stars inspire me to create beautiful illusions as visual reminders of our relationship to the universe. I agree with Albert Einstein who believed humanity's most important task is the creation of a moral universe.

Even though my life is but a shooting star flickering briefly in the eternal sky I paint, as best I can while I am here, the awesome beauty of the universe. Expressing my gratitude for the gift of life and sharing what I learn gives my life its meaning. Every canvas is my story. 

Chard Chenier

(514) 738-3905
web site: http://www.chardart.com

email: chardart@chardart.com

5849 Clanranald Avenue

Montreal, Quebec

Canada 

H3X 2T2