100 Lakes

Posted on Jan 9th, 2008 by

MeAtSpiderLakeNoticing

Nessmuk hated pothunters. Pothunters are guys who hunt for trophies, killing animals indiscriminately to satisfy their need for power over other living things - essentially using hunting to build their ego. As an artist, how do I stay honest about my own tendency in this direction?

While I no longer hunt with a gun, I still hunt. Hunting is deep in my genetic codes, as is violence, greed, and a strong survival instinct. When I chant along with Zaadsters , "love, joy, peace and beads" I have this sensation like cold water running down my spine. How do I transcend and include the dark hunting meme?

I hunt now with a camera and a pen and an audio recorder. I capture beauty and bring it home to show people. Pothunter? Maybe, in a way. At least the danger is there.

I have started a new writing project in which I will be visiting 100 lakes on Vancouver Island and writing about my experiences. I hope that I can accomplish this without damaging my soul, without becoming a pothunter.

You can view my progress here: http://www.stillinthestream.com/files/100lakes.html

Let me know if you see my ego swelling. Feel free to apply a cold compress.

Thanks,

Richard