I have drafted thousands of words of essays on the topic of art and why it sustains my soul in times of despair, but none of it comes close to saying what I want to say, yet.

Therefore, without explanation, on the occasion of Berkeley’s Winter Solstice gathering, I will simply offer a link to a little-known work of art which has been for me a touchstone in my times of greatest grief and existential despair:

https://www.viselaya.org/sculptures/chandala/chandala.html

May it bring some of you something you need today.