The Art
of Peace
B Y L I N D A GO L D E N S T E I N
Art, humankind’s earliest mark on history, tells a story of how
those before us lived. The cave paintings and stone carvings,
surviving the millennium, give us insight into the spiritual-
ity and practices of our ancestors perhaps stirring something
inside us today. From prehistoric times to the present day, art
tells the story of humanity and influences our world. It has
been used to record history, promote power and build legacies.
Art has and is used as a tool for religious practice and
story telling, with sculptures and paintings of the gods and
prophets influencing the emotions and beliefs of humanity.
Many of these art pieces were created with an intention for
realizing the ultimate truth and finding peace. One can only
imagine the responsibility artists must have felt in the creation
of such works.
In today’s world, artists reflect back to us the issues that
we need to look at as a human community. Understanding that
art is a universal language that transcends religion, politics and
barriers to communication.
Artists are not only creating art, they also endeavor to
create a dialogue with those experiencing their art. Many offer
their works as a call for inner peace and peace in the world. Per-
haps you have felt this inner feeling while looking at a paint-
ing or hearing a song. One might not even know why they feel
the way they do yet return time and again to draw inspiration
and heart awakening. It is the artists calling to you.
Those of us experiencing paintings, sculpture, song, dance,
or whatever the art form might be, have the opportunity to
connect, to join in the conversation of experiencing peace
through art. We have the opportunity to support the children
of our world in joining in this dialogue. In speaking in the lan-
guage of the arts, we may find peace in our hearts and dissolve
boundaries by speaking the international language of art.
I asked artists about the importance of expressing peace
through art and how they see art as a tool for peace. Here is
what they shared.
Linda Goldenstein is founder and president of the Goldenstein Gallery in Sedona
Arizona, voted Best Gallery 10 years running. She is an ever-present force in the
Sedona arts scene, curating and displaying her artist’s works in public spaces, and
serving various executive positions for the past 11 years on the Sedona Chamber.
24 IMAGINE l FALL 2018
Sculptor and pointillist painter Sherab Khandro: “Art stimulates the
imagination, reaching past the intellect and into our hearts. Art invites us to
dream of possibilities, unlocking solutions to outdated problems. In its many
forms, art tells stories of the heart and connects us to our common human-
ity. Through art, we cultivate empathy, a solid path to peace.”
Painter, poet, author and activist Adele Seronde: “Real artists create
from the heart.”