3. Art & Trash

According to Google Dictionary, art is the expression or application of human imagination and creative skills, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. 
Trash, as defined by Google Dictionary, is the occurrence of unused things, rubbish, and garbage. 
From Our Brain: Art is almost always defined in favorable terms — beautiful, powerful, etc.- but we think of trash in negative terms — dirty, ugly, used, and discarded. 
We will likely have many different responses when we experience a painting, music, or movie. Why? 
Last week, my dog Bailey and I walked in Spring Valley, our neighborhood. As we walked, I saw a basket that someone had thrown away. I brought it home, filled it with soil, and planted flowers. It shifted from being someone’s trash to a thing of beauty. It made me happy. 
Sandy saw it and didn’t say a word.
Another day, Bailey and I walked in the neighborhood again. We discovered that one of our neighbors was moving out. They put a few things outside on the curb for people to take for free. 
We chose two black document boxes with open, triangular-shaped tops. Once again, we brought them home. I planted flowers in them and put soil in them. 
Finally, Sandy could not keep silent. He said, “They are trash. When you use trash for flower pots, we lose face.” 
When our daughter learned what I had done, she said, “Ling, we have enough money to buy flower pots.” 
I understand how they think. They feel that my newfound treasures are just trash and are embarrassed that I would use them as I did. 
Of course, I’m afraid I have to disagree with them. 
1. We should encourage people to reuse items like baskets and document holders. This would not only save money but also protect our environment and planet. We only have one Earth, and its resources are limited. 
2. I saw beauty in those two items. Who is to say that we must plant flowers in a certain kind of pot? Flowers can grow anywhere. And these special planters—reused “trash”—with their beautiful flowers are sure to surprise people. So I told them, “You should visit the Museum of Modern Art.”