(317) “Life Is Art” ~ Grateful to Frost Flowers for Guiding Me!
Frost Flowers carried me soaring across thousands of miles to Spain, only to let me personally verify one truth. A year and a half ago, during my first visit to the Qifeng Mt. Eco Village, someone asked me in a live broadcast: “What is the definition of art?” I instinctively replied: “Art is the mindful crafting and creating of life — ‘Life is Art!’”
Ah, now I understand. Only now, being gently placed within the loving home of Spanish artists — where we chatted for 12 straight hours upon our very first meeting — could I truly witness that some rare individuals do bring this concept alive. Surprised, touched, and deeply grateful, I must share this story with you.
It all began with Frost Flowers — this roadmap deserves to be unfolded step by step:
1. On opening night, a female artist, Anna, bought the Frost Flower photo she loved.
2. The next day, she voluntarily returned to the gallery to record a promotional video and posted it on Facebook.
3. She and her husband, Esau, then enthusiastically invited us over for a gathering.
4. With full sincerity, they arranged for us to meet another artist, George, for an artistic exchange. To include me more, Esau added warmly: “George’s paella is made the traditional way — impossible to find outside!” — I secretly rejoiced. A plan was set!
Such thoughtful new friends — they said if they were to introduce Spanish daily life, it must begin with breakfast. I learned so much! Their toast isn’t square but long and thick like a boat, and the toppings are totally up to you. Tomato toast? It’s just rich tomato paste — you don’t see the actual fruit. Local cheese is as thick as tofu, with a gentle flavor that doesn’t feel sinful at all.
That morning, we first met George and Mary over breakfast. Though we didn’t share a language, we had an instant connection. A smile — the eternal universal language and secret key to breaking the ice. I simply kept grinning, and in no time we were gesturing and laughing away!
At George’s house, everywhere radiated an artistic atmosphere. Nothing was flashy or over-the-top — just vibrant colors full of life energy. Every brick and tile on the walls had been laid by the couple’s own hands. The flowers were meticulously tended, pebbles arranged artfully, and a little meditation path by a quiet pavilion whispered: “Come rest here when troubled, and your worries will melt away.” In their small bar, wind chimes and antique water vessels looked like museum pieces.
George chuckled: “Most of the furniture here came from second-hand shops. After a little touch-up, they bloom with new life and help us compose the symphony of this home.”
My heart leapt with joy: “This is love! A beautiful home built from the heart by two souls in harmony!”
As I dashed around snapping photos, my partner had already wandered into George’s studio. Normally quiet and reserved, he transforms when it comes to painting — suddenly eloquent and alive. He and George spoke the whole morning about composition, light and shadow, tonal balance, and color mixing. He said sincerely: “To find kindred spirits after traveling so far — this is rare and precious!”
As for me, just watching the artists passionately share was already “a top-tier form of art” in itself!
Then came the climax — the Spanish paella — which was equally astonishing.
You see, this medieval dish from Valencia requires a wide, shallow iron pan, a specific type of rice that absorbs all the juices, and orange tree branches for the open fire — cooked only outdoors. Just hearing this, I knew it was going to be something special.
Watching George cut the meat, prep the ingredients, light the fire, and sauté the food — all in a state of quiet focus — felt like watching a living painting. At the perfect moment, Mary brought out a big pot of broth for the sweaty chef. George expertly poured it into the pan. When I heard the sizzling sound and smelled the rich aroma drifting through the air, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud in joy.
When the masterpiece dish was served, it looked like an oil painting you could eat. The best part? The crispy rice crust formed at the bottom of the pan. George kindly divided the golden crust equally among us. Wood-fire cooking is truly in a league of its own — I was completely absorbed in savoring each bite. In the end, I didn’t leave even a single grain of rice.
My heart was full… to be able to taste this rare culinary gem!
Ah, words fail me — I couldn’t find the vocabulary to describe how I felt in that moment.
After lunch, we rested a bit. Then Anna and Esau brought out delicate Spanish desserts, while George and Mary served fragrant coffee. They put their whole hearts into using this short time to teach us as much as they could about their local life — so full of heart and love!
As artists, they had endless insights to share, and by the time the sun had set, Esau drove us home.
A full 12 hours spent witnessing a real-life fusion of life and art.
Looking back: gardening, cooking, trimming grass, laying bricks, painting — all are forms of Art.
Hugging the Frost Flower that gifted me this golden phrase, “Life is Art”, I drifted off to sleep with a smile still lingering at the corners of my lips.
https://youtu.be/abC7tmVCfbY?si=Doim3LAMRI-XkBEC