Redtree Times

Running the Moons— At Principle Gallery

As one studies these preconditions, one becomes saddened by the ease with which human potentiality can be destroyed or repressed, so that a fully-human person can seem like a miracle, so improbable a happening as to be awe-inspiring. And simultaneously one is heartened by the fact that self-actualizing persons do in fact exist, that they are therefore possible, that the gauntlet of dangers can be run, that the finish line can be crossed.

–Abraham Maslow, Motivation and Personality (1954)

I’ve been thinking in recent days about my recent paintings and the meaning I take from them. My perception of them has changed from the first time one of these paintings appeared. At first, it felt more like a simple design choice, added elements to provide balance and contrast. But as a few more showed up the moons took on different aspects, beyond mere design and deeper in meaning. I found that they were excellent reflectors (that is one purpose of a moon, after all) of my emotions and concerns at the time.

I’ve been thinking a lot about this small painting, Running the Moons, 6″ by 12″ on canvas at the Principle Gallery, in conjunction with the passage above from influential psychologist Abraham Maslow. Maslow, who died in 1970, is famous for his hierarchy of needs, which is presented as pyramid of basic human needs that must be met leading up to the pyramid’s topmost point, which is a state self-actualization.

This is basically a state of being a total human being once one has fulfilled their basic physical needs, has been made to feel safe and secure in their life and livelihood, has established loving and meaningful relationships, and has found respect for themself as well as for and from others. At this topmost point, they have reached their potential and can then live their most meaningful, creative, and productive life.

This is, of course, a gross and lacking simplification of Maslow’s theory but I think you get the idea. If you’re not familiar with his theories, it’s an interesting subject to explore on your own.

In this painting, I see the moons as being the different phases of ourselves as we maneuver a sometimes-turbulent sea on our hoped for destination of understanding, fulfillment, and, hopefully, self-actualization. These phases can correlate to our basic needs. One might represent our most basic needs– food and shelter. Another might represent our need to love and be loved. Another might represent our realization and acceptance of who and what we are.

And on and on. You get the picture.

As I said, it’s a simplified and most likely incomplete representation of Maslow’s thoughts. But a childlike naivete is sometimes an aspect of the self-actualized according to Maslow.

I’d like to think that’s true in this case, but it might just be that I’m naive and childlike sometimes. Often, actually.

Either way, it works for me this morning and gives me something to chew on for the rest of the day as I try to guide my boat through my own gauntlet of moons. I don’t know which moons are in my wake or exactly where I am in my journey.

The fact that I am still afloat and there is wind filling my sails is good enough this morning.

What more can you ask?

Here’s a song, Ship of Fools, from Robert Plant from 1988. While I hope my ship is not one of fools, this might kind of be about the same thing, Or not. Doesn’t matter.