Don's Art and Poetry

Art allows me to interpret and express with painting the spirit and emotions defining my life experiences gained through a career in agriculture in higher education, science, and development. For me, it is a ministry through which I can express the spiritual and emotional dimensions of my life experience much of which was influenced through work in the Middle East toward the end of my career. My philosophy is that art is for all people and that it informs the essence and satisfies an innate hunger of the spirit for the spirituality it brings forth in the human emotion.

I began studying art and painting for the first time in 2000 after I retired from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. I was taught at the beginning to respect and paint my own feelings, a challenging position for one steeped in scientific discipline and rigid tradition. Indeed, I have discovered that my best work happens when I paint with a certain amount of abandon, proving again that creativity follows not a straight path.

Painting relaxes, excites and at times frustrates me but never fails to reward me with the sense of pride and accomplishment that comes only through creating a work of art. It is my goal to create and share my art with as many people as would receive it in the hope that it will impart to the viewer a sense of joy and spiritual uplifting; a feeling that they are glad they saw it.

Writing poetry is also a recent adventure for me. Although, like many folks I would from time to time in the past write a verse or two commemorating a special occasion, it is only recently that I began to write in earnest. I find that creating verse provides an enjoyable way to express emotions and beliefs and to reflect on life experiences. Through it I am able to share views and beliefs shaped by life and its events as I have seen and lived them and the people I have met along the way.

Don Hegwood