I Believe in the Arts by Sandi Rocker

There are many things that influence my thoughts and feelings. A multitude of subjects interest me but I have determined that much of what I believe was mopped up by osmosis. I care about the arts but cannot define a specific talent or gift that is mine.

I have given thought to music and its effect on me. As a child, I was exposed to the music of my heritage. Grade school found me going to Community Concerts where I heard a variety of music and taking piano lessons. Band and choir provided ways to get to activities throughout high school along with the rock and roll that permeated the air waves during that time. The country music on the one and only radio station we received in the work place. Now I have eclectic tastes. The music of NPR, concerts and friends whose abilities are awesome provide even more enjoyment. Bringing home one line from a hymn sung in church on Sunday sometimes carries me through the week. Music of every venue inspires me.

I have thought about the culture of visual arts and what is considered art. Throughout many years of being involved as a child and leader in 4-H, sewing or doing crafts with patterns devised by others, embellishing fabric, paper or ceramics brought satisfaction but those things weren't always my ideas. Taking in an art show, looking at beautiful quilts and their color coordination, a beautiful table setting or a pretty dessert served with flair makes me happy.

I have thoughts of reading and writing of poetry, articles and books. I do not have a particularly literary mind. Required reading in a workplace with mountains of rules and regulations obliterated anything too intense. I definitely gravitate towards fiction and general study of humans through reading. Verbilization is a wonderful contribution to the arts. "He speaks my mind" or "I could have, should have written that" are just a part of my brain process. Often rereading parts of a poem, article or paragraph of a book which articulates my feelings is enlightening.

In this foray of senses of sound and sight, I have discovered my gift. I believe the artistic world truly needs me. I have the "Gift of Appreciation" and without an audience where would it be?