Page 192 - musetouch

Mark Henson

Who are you Mark?

I am one of the now 9 billion human inhabitants of this small planet at the present time. I am
very fortunate, as I have been able, for the most part, to follow my heart’s desire. I wanted to
live a creative life filled with artistic magic of all kinds, and to know and work with interesting
and colorful people. I wanted to explore myself and find something of lasting worth to share.

I am thankful for my good fortune, for many of my wishes have, over time, become reality.
Now that I am past 50, I am more sensitive to the passing of the days, and so I like to hang
around the studio as much as possible, painting, sketching and making things.
I am person who came of age in the time of social ferment known as the ‘60’s. I lived in sub-
urbia near San Francisco and experienced the hippie days there in all their glory, the sights
and sounds that filled the streets. In those days we wanted to change the world from a place
of conflict and war into a paradise on earth, and we were willing to make some sacrifices to
make it happen. Most of the ideals we worked for in those times are my guideposts today,
and I am convinced that only by working together can we bring about a world with peace and
justice for everyone.
I live in a rural county in Northern California where I can be close to nature and grow some

food in a garden. I live in a 150- year old schoolhouse with my wife Monti and a couple of
cats. I do like to visit the big city on occasion, or travel outside of the United States. I enjoy
learning about other cultures, trying to learn their languages, enjoying their music, hearing
their stories, visiting the artists there, and of course, sampling the culinary delights.

I have always had an interest in consciousness- Don’t we all wonder where we come from,
who are we, where are we going? It seems like these questions have always been on my mind.
I don’t have any answers- I like the mystery of it all. I am not a person who believes in any
particular spiritual path, but I do know that consciousness is present- filling us every moment

with knowledge and light. I think that solving the puzzle is more fulfilling than just knowing
the answer.

Why are you an artist, and when did you first become one?

I have always felt the urge to make stuff with my hands. I cannot remember a time from
childhood, when I was not involved in some sort of project or another, from drawing on
the wall or stacking up blocks to building treehouses or models of ships and airplanes. I was
tagged as an artist by my very first schoolteacher when I was 5 years old- I think she liked my
drawings. Artistic inclinations were not discouraged in my family and I had some ancestral
predecessors on the art trail - my great Aunt and Uncle were successful artists and design-

ers in Los Angeles during the 30’s 40’ and 50’s, and many of their creations graced our family
home. I don’t think I ever seriously considered being anything else, except perhaps a scientist
of some kind.

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