Speaker: Dusty Kemp

Beauty and Art

The phenomenon of experiencing beauty is considered a remarkable event for all individuals. The initial encounter with a beautiful object, can elicit an emotional and intellectual response that transcends the mundane and transports the individual into a realm of heightened perception. However, despite the “realness” of such experiences, they are difficult to articulate precisely and comprehend entirely.
Even though the emotional impact of art can be difficult to measure and quantify, it remains a subject of great interest. Art has a unique ability to purposely move us into this profound experience, evoking a wide range of emotional responses that can vary from person to person yet be more shared than not. Through the years I have had a growing interest in the relationship between art and the responses it evokes, particularly within the context of the experience of beauty. I wish to share these insights.
 
Bio for Dusty Kemp:  I enjoy many things: teaching, being a Dad, writing poetry, recovery, apples, but most of all I like doing art. I really don’t like doing yard work or eggplants.

This I Wonder, This I Believe

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***For the time being, Services will exclusively be held virtually via Zoom.  Please email info@mmuuf.org for more information.
At This I Believe/This I Wonder services, fellowship members offer thoughts about what they believe and what they wonder about over the course of their spiritual journey.

 

Dusty:
10,000 forms of Mindfulness.  Mindfulness is a path to loving… myself, my students, the people in my life, my work, the universe.  It is my catalyst for generating gratitude, recovery, helping with my depression, anxiety, and stress.  I believe it is available to anyone and is as simple as paying attention to what is in front of me right now.
I am from Chicago, therefore I like deep dish pizza, Italian beef, caramel and cheese popcorn mixed, and the Cubs.  I am now from Vermont and I love Cabot cheddar cheese, maple syrup and all of you!  I have been / am an artist, recovering drug addict, engineer, teacher, husband, father, and most recently our dog’s human.
Sarah:
Mindfulness through poetry and music: When I’m caught up in work, news or just the daily business of life, I like to pause and reconnect to myself thru music and/or poetry. I’ll share some of my favorites with you.
I’ve been a member of MMUUF since 2000. I grew up in NH, and have lived in Maryland, Missouri and Alaska before moving to Vermont. As a humanist I believe in equality and justice and as a social worker I have worked my entire profession dedicated to children and youth who suffer trauma because of abuse and neglect. I am a director,  an author, a poet, a mother, wife, sister, daughter and head chef of my home.