Every so often I tune into Speaking of Faith on NPR which "draws out compelling & challenging voices of wisdom on the important subjects of the 21st century." It's NOT churchy or preachy but covers "religion, meaning, ethics and ideas," in an interesting and engaging way. It comes on in my area on Sunday afternoons and I had a chance to catch it this week as the show's host, Krista Tippett, interviewed 33 year old Yale graduate and flyfisher, painter, writer and environmental activist, James Prosek.
I've been working on some fiber pieces for my upcoming studio tour and wanted to keep my mind occupied while I sat and sewed and this was the perfect thing. Hand sewing and beading for me are meditations. In this week's show, James talks about how flying fishing and art are his meditations and his faith. James says he "has always found God through the theater of nature." That sounds about right to me. Have a listen here as he talks about his journey as a naturalist, flyfisher and painter. I think you'll be as inspired as I was.
I have always wanted to learn to fly fish, but I may be alone in this endeavor (which is OK), as everytime I mention it to my family they roll their eyes and say, "B.O.R.I.N.G." But one day I will venture off to a river, fly rod in hand to stand in the river, feel it's calm joy and learn this meditative art.
p.s. I'm struggling with this new Typepad format and wanted to bring you a larger picture. But after 45 minutes I'm giving up and what's with the crappy blue line I can't get rid of?????
Hey!!!…I heard this one and happened to be on the way to Barnes and Nobel. They didn’t have ONE of his books, but I was totally drawn in by the interview.
Thanks for the links!
and by the way, I can’t see a blue line from “here”. TypePad really needs to have mercy on us, right??? The fish looks splendid.
I ‘heart’ NPR! and have quite a few friends that fly fish and find that it is their spiritual place as well.
x…x
steph
wow!!! i just clicked on your link and watched the ‘soundseen’ slideshow of james’ paintings. as a trout lover i am in awe of his trout paintings — he’s captured them profoundly. thank you fran. i’ll listen to the talk too… what an artist he is — i’ll also look for his book/s…
you will fly fish one day… are there fly fishing rivers near taos? : )
Hey Fran – Me too, on the flyfishing. And, my family also rolls their eyes and thinks I’m nuts. Perhaps we can find a place “in between” and get some lessons, maybe next year? Love the fish!