I woke from the dream world this morning and spent a few moments recalling the series of events that unfolded in that last dream before awakening. I had been with a group of individuals at a symposium and each attendant was offered an opportunity to give a presentation. At the last moment of preparation for my presentation it occurred to me that my well organized plans were going to fall short of my expectations. I decided to make the best of the situation by simply telling a story of how grateful I am to live a life of service to humankind.
Inside the delivery, I recalled one of my favorite Vandorn Hinnant quotable quotes:
“ let your life be an act of giving so that giving shall be forever yours.”
In Jim Henson’s opus magus, The Dark Crystal, we are given deep insight into life’s perpetual inclination towards equilibrium. This eternal striving is exemplified in the form of the mystics and the scarcies; two clans living at the extreme opposite of one another in thoughts and actions. These polar opposites exist as representations of the nature of duality. There is a lesson embodied in this story for those wishing to find peace with what is.
There is an old saying that i learned in school as i was studying at NC A&T University. It was presented in the context of a class with a focus on design principles. The quote, FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION, is said to have been passed down through a lineage of European designers. When thinking of this idea today, it appears to be true in regards to life in general. Each function precedes the form taken to realize the function.
Several days ago, AnaMaria and I were visiting the artist retreat center AZULE in Hot Springs NC. We spent four hours in conversation with the originator and care taker of this most special center. At one point in the conversation, I recalled and spoke the words “form follows function” and our hostess, Camille, quickly recognized the relevance of that concept. She had encountered the concept early in life as a student. The tour of the facility was one completely awe inspiring experience. Camille shared with us much of her awe inspiring life’s story. AnaMaria and I left there overjoyed. In that visit, we had been gifted something that this writing is attempting to speak to. One can live an inspired life where every breath is breathed with the intent to be of service to humankind. I do not know of a higher calling.
These words are a sketch of an idea that wants very much to be expanded upon. I am not certain this will occur. I am trusting these few highlights can be read and experienced as somehow connected to one another.
“FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION “
inspired to inspire, I AM
Vandorn
About Vandorn Hinnant
Vandorn Hinnant; painter, sculptor, poet, and educational consultant resides in Durham NC, USA. He leads hands-on experiential workshops on “The Geometry of Art and Life” for learners of all ages. “The geometries employed in my work embody the mathematics of matter, energy, space, and time and are in resonance with the dynamic and generative forces of Nature; growth.” Learn more at vandornhinnant.com