THIS EARTH: Some Thoughts
By Dave Hanks
Van Gogh stated that the creation was a study - a roughed-in sketch. Perhaps that is one reason that his art looks roughed-in. But his view doesn't seem to be true! The earth is supremely & meticulously put-together; abundantly, extravagantly, and in fine.
While observing the intricacy of form, nothing seems to be ridiculous. The variety
of form itself and the multiplicity of forms is mind "boggling"! It seems that anything goes. Form follows function, and function is nature's only aesthetic consideration. Freedom is the earth's water and weather, the world's nourishment freely given, its soil and sap. It definitely has pizzazz!
But only ten percent of the earth's life forms are still here. Were some forms made with extinction in mind? Created as test models so to speak, to be refined as the adaptation process progresses?
Also, the globe (viewed from afar) may appear smooth but it is anything but smooth. It is jagged and rough. Anything less would be frightfully dull and also
very non-utilitarian. Texture is extremely important - both for beauty and for function. The looping, rough inside, nature of intestines is not only necessary for nutrient absorption, but creates more area in a limited space to facilitate the process. Good fishing streams operate on this same principle; and we all would die of thirst if watersheds were smooth and even. In fact there would be no watersheds. .
The tremendous diversity in the earth, points out how important variety is.
Why would anyone want to minimize it?
Form and function are important for our physical well-being.
Beauty is important for our mental and emotional well-being.
(The beauty and diversity of REVELSTOKE Park, B.C.)
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