I am being taken to task for a painting “Rape Of Mother Earth”, hanging in public display at T. Anjuli Salon and Gallery in Seaside; a painting describing and defending the sanctity of Mother Earth. The corporate assault being waged upon her and the great majority of her inhabitants, I stand firmly in defense against. I am especially standing in defense of our children’s faith in their elders to protect them from harm. You cannot continue to take and take from the earth and dismiss as “collateral damage” the disastrous repercussions to the environment and every living thing upon it. The science is in and there is no further discussion as to its truth.

We live in an existence of duality. Spiritual/rational duality is a physical relationship with our soul. Most will agree with the notion of a power beyond us which cannot be explained in physical terms. Even those who do not, still are awed by the mystery of life. It is a delicate balance on which it depends. Everything is connected. These are words of sages, not mine. As Federal policies are made in strictly rational terms, to press ahead with that which harms our living biosphere is pathological insanity. And of which the great majority of this country’s citizens find absolutely abhorrent. Profit and personal advantage cannot trump our higher human traits of kindness, connectedness, generosity and inherent godly nature to “do no harm.” In this regard, whatever it takes to awaken public awareness, I am committed. Nudity be damned. I stand behind the rights to freedom of speech and the freedom of religion. As for the exposure of nudity to children, this is art, not pornography. You might look elsewhere in our pop culture for that corrupting influence. All advertizing is pornographic according to the great author, James Joyce in his own obscenity trial in 1933, for his book Ulysses. Personally, paintings such as this have been hanging in our household for the entire life of our children and grandchildren. I would compare their well adjusted good senses to anyone’s.

Bill Lutz

Seaside