"Love Your Journey Through Life!"

Why Do People Want to Own Art?

"For me, the pleasure of having a space of one's own stems from a feeling of belonging, of being connected to one's surroundings. I have a variety of art ranging from some very old Japanese paintings and scrolls that I inherited from my parents to more modern water colors and prints. Each piece is a reflection of some part of my being, whether it's an obvious reference to my Japanese heritage or more obscurely, my love of solitude. The pieces of art in my home describe me, identify me and reinforce who I know myself to be. It is a comfort and joy, then, to live where the very objects around you validate your being.

"William's etchings are exciting to me because they portray places I recognize at a gut level, yet are new and dynamic because of his use of different colors and the various intensities of the inks. That is the nature of my life right now - serenely familiar but with new twists and different viewpoints - and that's why his art has such tremendous appeal for me." - Kathy Rossol, Owner

If you're an art lover, you already know the answer to the question, "Why you want to own art." But if you don't own your own original work of art, you may be wondering, "Why do people want to own art?"

Why Does Looking at Landscapes Feel So Good?

People love my new etchings, saying they make them feel at home, they make them feel serene.

Other people love the stories behind the art, saying they feel connected to their own heart-felt loves. What is it about landscapes that make you feel good?

Here's a fact. Many scientists and researchers are suggesting the open view of the savannah may be essential to our well being. It is restorative and peaceful. You feel safe when you connect. I think we feel complete, we feel a sense of being at home.

On a road trip recently as we rounded a bend and gazed out at miles of tropical splendor looking over the Pacific, my daughter said, "Ah, this feels like home."

In Biophilia Edward O. Wilson says, "For human survival and mental health and fulfillment, we need the natural setting in which the human mind almost certainly evolved and in which culture has developed over these millions of year of evolution."

And Why Are William's Etchings of Scared Landscapes Healing, Too?

The prestigious journal, Science, tells why my etchings of sacred landscapes are healing. A study concludes postoperative patients heal faster if they have a view of trees from their window, but patients who are lucky enough to have a painted mural of a view heal faster, too.

A Story

Imagine two bed ridden patients sharing a hospital room. One had a window with a view; the other didn't and begged to have the view described. With nothing but time on their hands, the patient with the view described in detail the lovely vision out the window, and as the weeks passed, he reported the progression of the seasons.

Our story continues with the eventual demise of the patient with the window view. The patient who had been listening to the description of the wonderful view for months was recovering well, but he asked to be moved to the view bed for his remaining time in the hospital. When he arrived at the window he was surprised to find there was nothing but a blank wall for a view.

Images are powerful. This is a reason to own art -- so you can enjoy their healing power.

How Does the Artist Deliver the Landscape's Power to You?

My first task as an artist is to first find a landscape that makes my heart sing. Then I open my heart and let the place fill my heart and soul until I melt into the landscape, and I become the landscape.

The task is then to transfer the heart and soul of the piece to you through drawing. Drawing is the most intimate of all arts. Much later the drawing is converted to an etching.

Because the life and soul of the place is found in its immediate presence, I don't work with photos, even my own. It is not intimate enough.

All my work is done plein aire, which means on location in direct communion with the soul of the place.

Drawings Have Power

Dr. John Diamond corroborates my experience. When he tested people for muscle strength before looking at drawings of landscapes and after looking at drawings, he discovered people were stronger after looking at the drawings.

Which One Do I Buy?

What if I buy one and a week later, I don't like it? That's my fear. I have solved that by offering you a money back guarantee. If you don' like the art you can trade it in on another or simply get a refund. (Ask for details.)

But I'll tell you what I do to avoid fretting. I find a piece of art I really resonate with, one that touches my heart, and then before I buy I walk away from the piece for a few moments, get still, and ask this question:

Does it feed my heart?

Even though I create lots of my own art, I still collect art. On my last two sabbaticals I bought more art.

Why? These pieces touch my heart and make me feel good.

How Much

If you're like me, "How much does it cost," is always a part of the decision, but price is just a small part of the decision. One of the pieces we bought recently was expensive, one was medium priced, and the last inexpensive. The real question is, "What's its value in my life?"

I place a high value on feeling good. I enjoy resting my eyes on a beautiful landscape. I place a high value on feeding my heart and soul, don't you?

I love to give art away as a present. It really makes a difference in people's lives. They love the art and feel proud to own it.

The most expensive art I have ever bought has been art for my brother and wife. Likewise the most expensive art I own has come to me as a gift.

Form a Relationship with the Artist

Arturo Tello is a plein aire painter in Santa Barbara. I love his work, and I love his wonderful heart. I have wanted to buy a piece by him ever since I met him, this last trip we did. Because I want to live in a world where beings like Arturo Tello are prospering, I bought the piece in part to support Arturo and his work.

When you buy a piece of art like this, you form a relationship to the artist's heart and to the landscape he loves. That relationship supports us in living more deeply from our own hearts. Our lives are made richer, and, dare I say, more holy.

Why do you want to own art?

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