[Chris Saper]

Yes, it has been an emotionally and spiritually exhausting month. Yes, I have been concerned, and remain so about all of us who are providing products at the high end of Maslow's hierarchy.

But I also feel so deeply on a personal level that we must all order our priorities, and that is an important and liberating act. I do feel that many of my potential clients will postpone commitments. Many may not choose to undertake them at all. This is as important for them as it for each of us.

A couple of weeks ago I met with the marketing director at a local Barnes & Noble Store, whose outlook changed what was, for me, turning into a deep despondency. He only wanted to discuss what portaiture meant to the painter, to the client, and to the very core of what separates a gracious and civilized society from one that is not. He was interested in the nature of beauty, the forces that make one interested in commissioning a portrait...love, respect, honor, and the faith that there will be someone beyond us who cares.

So yes, I think that many of us must be resourceful about how we will replace lost or postponed revenues, be it teaching, writing, trading, or simply knuckling down to a day job. Regardless, I believe that the main thing is to keep painting. Keep finding beauty around you, an aesthetic glass that is always half-full. Take advantage of times where there may be fewer commissions by becoming better at our craft.

Separate and unknown events are beyond each of us to individually control. Commitment and faith, in whatever form, are available to each of us, at any time. We have large issues at hand.The best we can do is to rise to them, as best we can.

I wish you, and all of us, well.
Chris