REFLECTIONS ON THE HEART
OF ARTIST DON HUNTIMER
by Sandra Shaw

I had to smile at the description that Father Don painted for me of how some people view artists, spiritual leaders and others such as himself that are at once passionately creative and creatively passionate about both life and their life's work (which are, in such individuals, blended as if one in the same). There are those, he related amusingly, that might have looked at him as perhaps a "conceited cuss on an ego trip." But I beg to differ with those that would look at such a gifted individual with such a one-dimensional view without looking deeper into the heart and soul of the man.

I have the advantage of coming to know Father Don through his art. A person's artistic expression is the true window into their soul. I am able to see the REAL Don Huntimer as I have had no physical form or personality in front of me from which to gather an opinion. As I write this, we have not yet met in person, although I feel that I have indeed come to know him! For as I have designed and produced this web, I have had the privelege of spending quite a bit of time with each and every painting. In deciding where to place them, how big to make them, bumping up the contrast on this one or brightening up that one, I have also taken the time to simply look at them. In so doing, I have spent the time to enjoy them and have come to know this artist from the inside out — for his paintings are his very voice.

Through the language of his heart - his paintings - I see a man of tremendous vision, a man passionate about life and all of God's creation - who SEES God in all creation and does not celebrate God's presence only confined within 4 walls - but who embraces that beauty so that others can see God too and who recognizes that life in all its forms is God's voice and expression. I see a man unafraid to think new things, to ponder new questions, to come up with new answers and to express what he has gathered. I see a person that has spent a lifetime devoted to the passion and purpose of the spiritual quest, who is not afraid to think outside the box and does not necessarily accept that which is spoon fed and gives great great thought and contemplation of those things which are put before him -- reaching further than the words to see the foundation of the concept and the truth behind the precepts.

I see someone that reaches to see what the meaning is for the things in this world - the greater reason, the deeper meaning and who is excited about seeing everything that is in this creation. I see someone that has not accepted dogma for dogma's sake, but for the sake of truth when it is of truth and not simply because someone said it is thus -- someone who yearns to discern what is truly Divine Law and that which is Manmade Law -- and knows that there is a difference.

I see someone that reaches to embrace life and is not afraid to step over invisible lines drawn in the sand that keep most people separated through cultural and religious differences. I see a man that I would describe as a universal and spiritual man beyond the outward form of his religious vocation. To be a religious does not necessarily make one spiritual or spiritually enlightened or more consciously aware of God's living presence. The most spiritual among us are not necessarily the most religious outwardly and in my humble opinion, it is almost as rare to find a truly enlightened, truly spiritual soul that has reached without fear to go deep within to find where God resides within religious orders as it is in the secular world.

Religion does not really define the spiritual person but rather the spiritual person defines the religion. When one FINDS God within his or her spiritual teachings, they shine a light on those spiritual teachings that others are missing and help shine that light on another's path. This can only be done when one becomes unafraid to embrace those that are different and honor the Divine behind all without embracing prejudices created by human beings. It is only when one gathers the wisdom of an elder while retaining the purity of a child's heart that the balance is struck of spiritual greatness -- somewhat like penetrating the line at the horizon. Where the sky meets the land, there is a defining line between heaven and earth and in that subtle place we become balanced in the truth of our natures -- that we are spiritual beings having an earthly experience.

I do not see "an egotistical cuss" as Father Don has suggested how some perhaps might mistake the passionate artist, the spiritual man, the wise elder and the innocent child within that is still excited about colors and nature and beauty and God's presence in all things. I see this man through his artwork. And in his artwork I see his living soul — the spirit of this man that has become my friend. I imagine that those who would describe him as he has presumed, do not see the tree but only the bark. If they look up, they will see much more.

To Read the full biography of Father Don Huntimer,
please visit the Biographical Sketch Page.