Study for "Noble Mind"

Dear Friends,

For a long time I struggled with a habit.

Certain aspects of the habit felt really good and seemed to have some positive aspects. But invariably, choosing to engage the habit always made me feel bad.

In the midst of the this struggle I sought help and guidance in my spiritual practice. When I ask a question in this context I always approach the process with a deep sense of humility, a willingness to sacrifice my own ideas, and a genuine desire for the truth.

So I asked:

- “Is this bad for me? or is this good for me?”

- “Is there something about this that is beneficial, or is it all bad because of the way it makes me feel?”

- “Is there some ideal I should be striving to match? Some version of myself I’m supposed to be? Things I’m supposed to do, and things I’m not supposed to do?”

The response came back:

“What do YOU think?”

A simple reply, but one that was pregnant with deeper meaning and revelation.

Within that response there was a deeper notion being expressed:

“What you think MATTERS. Whether you THINK it’s wrong or right, good or bad, positive or negative… so it will be for you.”

The message was clear: what I believe about something is just as important as the nature of the thing itself. I saw clearly that my mind, my essential self, is like a king. It defines, and decrees. Whatever I believe most strongly to be true about something is ultimately how it will effect me. I know what is right FOR ME, I know what is wrong FOR ME, and my capacity to honor that will dictate what I energetically entrain to, and who I become.

When I contemplated this answer, it felt deeply true and correct.

And with it, came the symbolic image of a crown, reflecting the nature of my mind and the authority of my authentic self.

I share all this to offer a deeper sense of where the inspiration for my next painting is coming from. As I begin to experiment with new themes and symbolic imagery, it feels right to share more of what’s behind the work.

In this study for “Noble Mind” I used pencil and soft pastels to get the idea down on paper, the first step in the creative process.

Study for “Noble Mind” 2024
11 x 11 in. Pencil and Pastel on Paper

Please see the Available Originals page for current availability.

I hope you enjoy hearing these thoughts regarding my work. As much I am striving to create beautiful art, I am also striving to create meaningful art. For me, the greatest works of art accomplish this. They are not only beautiful and tangible representations of an objective outer reality, they are also connected to a deeper, inner reality that is powerful and beyond the physical form alone.

Sincerely,

Dustin Neece

Join my mailing list to receive letters like this one sent to my investors, patrons and friends.