Life is a mystery: how we got here, who we are to each other. Why we exist. What it all means. It can be a lot to go through every day and do the work of living. We have to feed ourselves and maintain our lives. Ideally, we stay hopeful in the face of humanity’s long history of greed and violence.

Artists get us through. They draw from something ineffable, some unseen and unknowable source, to bring beauty and meaning into our lives. They help us tap into the gorgeousness all around us. They challenge us to think about things from someone else’s point of view.

And sometimes they bring small delight, a little giggle when we come across their creations. Like this little guy our daughter made, who makes me smile every time I see him. He’s so innocent and nonthreatening. He looks squishy and sweet and huggable, like a marshmallow, and the little flower sprouting out of his head tells me he goes through the world spreading joy and hope. I love him so much.