The following words were written on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop in the Crypts of Westminster Abbey.

"When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits,
I dreamed of changing the world.
As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change,
so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.

But it, too, seemed immovable.

As I grew into my twilight years,
in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family,
those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.

And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize:
If I had only changed my self first,
then by example I would have changed my family.
From their inspiration and encouragement,
I would then have been able to better my country and,
who knows, I may have even changed the world."

I live in a small town called Saluda along with my beautiful family located in the mountains of Western North Carolina. I am a self-taught artist who started painting Black Bears after a series of events that lead me to a thought of suicide in 2006. In desperation, I fell to my knees begging God to help me. These paintings and their messages are the result of that prayer.

Each painting is a spiritual lesson I thought was only for me. As the images and lessons started to grow in number, healing occurred within me, then my family, and now in others I do not even know. I now realize, these works are to be shared with everyone who is hurting on this planet.

The art and the messages that accompany each piece come from the eternal well of oneness and peace that reside within each of us. One drink from its holy waters will quench your thirst for truth and bring healing and peace in place of isolation and fear. This oasis is eternal, the brush strokes and thoughts that accompany each work are a reflection of this sacred place. May they inspire you to remember your true home and live your life in grace and beauty. May we all walk this earth with the strength and conviction of the Black Bear and see all living things through the loving eyes of our Creator.

Peace,

Michael Bedoian