Hi Friends!
If you know me, you may be aware that I have made quite a few changes in the past year. (If not, please drop me an e-mail and I will try to catch you up on the details.)
Many of the changes surround a re-energized commitment to my life-sustaining work: the study and performance of music. I am confident that I have something to say, and I continue making this perpetual leap of faith, trusting that God will support me in my pursuits.
Changes in the past year include moving back to Chicago to take advantage of increased opportunities and exposure, intensified study and clarification of my artistic goals, work to increase my performance schedule, and improvements in my communication methodologies.
As part of this effort, I have and will continue to make significant changes to my Web site presence [http://www.henrypleas.com] and hope to send out a monthly e-mail/letter to those who are on my mailing list. This is the first of these letters, and I hope you will take a moment to read a little of what I am doing and thinking about.
This past weekend I watched the Italian film Life is Beautiful. Maybe you are familiar with this recent Academy Award-winning film from actor/director Roberto Binigni. The story tells of an Italian Jew’s life immediately before and during the Holocaust. Told by the man’s son, it paints a portrait of a person of simple origins who has an incredible joy for life, a willingness to see it as beautiful no matter what the circumstances.
It occurred to me that this is what it is to be an artist. It is the constant striving to create a reality out of love—a courageous, joyful, unquestioning way of being that makes reality of nothingness, as does the heavenly Creator. Even in the midst of incredible sorrow, there is the ability to create an alternative experience—and this mere act in and of itself is a thing of beauty. What bliss to be engaged in such an existence.
Regardless of whether it is the source of our primary funding, this is how we all truly make our living. I am blessed to have a gift for making sounds and expressing words that allow people to contemplate further exploration of these journeys for themselves. I appreciate your support and hope that you will please continue to share with me in this.
Consider any of the following as you check in on what I’m up to: Come to a performance (and/or help me arrange one near you). Visit the Web site and listen to some music online. Buy a CD for yourself and/or someone else who might enjoy it. Send up a prayer for God’s blessings on my behalf!
I am thankful for the place each of you has had in my life. May God continue to bless you as you make your life’s journey. Indeed, “La vita é bella!”
Till soon,
Henry Pleas
