And you think your back is sore? ( Anežka is 90-years-old in this picture!)

Meet Anežka Kašpárková, the 90-year-old Czechlosvakian malérečka (someone who paints folklore on objects). After many years of working in agriculture, Anežka took up painting in her retirement. She painted her village’s chapel and houses with simple floral symbolism in the traditional ultramarine blue of her region, Louka, Czech Republic. Anežka is a lovely example of how to understand why we create and she’s an inspiration on why to write about the art of impermanence.

Her art is exquisite with delicate and intricate designs painted painstakingly by hand. Imagine the contorted positions she had to do on ladders and step stools to complete her projects. I have a hard enough time cleaning out the crap underneath my kitchen sink!

And there was a catch.

Because of traditional customs, every two years the village chapel was painted white again. And paint on home exteriors doesn’t hold well through the harsh weather. The elements over time cause it to disappear.

So, why did she do it? Her art wouldn’t last. The chapel was whitewashed every two years!

“I try to help decorate the world a little bit.”

Anežka Kašpárková

The Art of Impermanence

Not all artwork is meant to last.

Think of artists who create sculptures from ice, wood, or butter. The Japanese Buddhist monks who create Zen gardens from sand. They are all capturing a moment in its fleeting wonder. Part of the ephemeral beauty is that these works aren’t designed to last…but the artists do it anyway.

Which brings me to you and your writing.

You’re avoiding writing because you want it to be perfect. Long lasting. Important.

But your writing doesn’t need any of these qualities. You get to write about a slice of your life and it will be imperfect and messy because first drafts (and life) are like that.

And then? Within your writing a message will shimmer. A word or sentence will settle into itself. And somehow an observation, thought, feeling, or experience will gently reveal its beauty on the page.

You are expressing yourself in an art form that is twenty thousand years old.

You are a writer of impermanent things.

---

When you decide to write for your own self edification? You step into the world of Anežka Kašpárková. She was devoted to sharing her love of art, faith, and community. She uplifted her fellow villagers and visitors who found peace in her designs.

But she also did her art for herself. She painted for her own pleasure.

As should you with your pen.

And Now It’s Your Turn!

Right now, in your world, there’s something lovely, but fleeting.

It might be in your garden. Or your library. Or maybe in your kitchen.

But right under your nose, you already are experiencing the art of impermanence.

Please write about it.

Anežka would be proud of you!

---

*Did you love this? Then check out Scribbly – my quirky and gentle writing program that we snail-mail right to your home. Each issue has a theme, so all you have to do is follow the path! We make writing easy and fun for you. We’re nice like that.