Rocket or apple tree?

Hiking my way up a narrow trail some years ago I came across a man working feverishly in his sketchbook under the generous shade of an unusually large apple tree.

“The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

I was curious, and asked the fellow what it was that inspired him to such focus.

“I’m designing a rocket ship.”

“Oh!” I replied. “To what purpose?”

“I want to go higher than anyone has ever been.” He said. “It will be beautiful up there, will you help me build it?”

Such earnestness and conviction inspired me and so I agreed to help.  He soon enrolled others in the idea as well and in little to no time at all, he had assembled an incredible team.  Years passed, and the work moved steadily forward. The team lived on apples and dreams of the stars, while our leader continued to obsess over the scale of his rocket. The lower engines alone were immense, and it became clear to us all that this vision of space flight was not only possible, it was going to happen! We were really going to see space!
A second set of engines was added, and a third. With each addition, the team grew larger and the rocket taller.  Each member of the team leaned in and offered up their best. The results were spectacular.

The man retreated into his thoughts as the deadline for launch grew nearer.  Construction of the rocket’s fuselage was now underway and the shape of the rocket narrowed drastically. The cockpit was quite small. Room for only one.

“It was my idea.” He said. “You can build your own rocket.”

“Oh!” I replied. “To what purpose?”

By this time, The idea of a rocket ship to space had lost some of its luster. I loved the passion that had helped to manifest this enormous construct, but the reality of floating alone above the Earth seemed lonely.

Many stayed on, hypnotized by the vision of bigger and higher.  But a few of us left.

Infinity – 36″x72″ – acrylic on attached panels – Gabriel Mark Lipper

We began to build tree houses in the giant limbs of the apple tree that had sustained and shaded us for all these years. The best part of building the rocket was creating something with the kind and brilliant people we’d met along the way. With our homes nestled in the tall branches of the giant tree, we would never reach the heights of the rocket, but the hike up is good, and the view of the stars is still wonderful to behold.

Our desire to create has many facets. Each of us comes with different gifts and intentions behind what we do. Some artists need to be close to the stars to feel inspired. Others, find their inspiration in community. I’m inspired by the rich fabric of the everyday world and the warmth of being surrounded by the people that I love.

What drives your art? What nurtures your art?

Do the people in your world help or hinder your progress?

Rocket or apple tree?