Thursday, May 20, 2010

Ignorantly Me

I will be the first to admit that I have been ignorant when it comes to my craft to some extent. Ignorant meaning lacking knowledge or information as to a particular subject or fact. In my case by choice.


I am fascinated with creativity; how a piece is formed, what materials were used, and what was the inspiration behind the piece. The questions go for art as a whole...visual, performance, and literary. But what I have had a hard time accepting is history.


I remember being in college, and hating art history. It was part of the information I needed for my craft, but I couldn't stand it. I was excited for my studio classes, which taught me how to strategically create visual masterpieces. However, honestly I could have cared less about the masters that created those visual masterpieces. All which probably had lots to due with the way I viewed history.


For such a long time, history had been such a bad word to me. Instead of finding history interesting, I looked at the word as two words instead of two syllables (his story). In my mind I would always wonder who "he" was. Who was giving the information about the "he"? Was "he" a reputable source? Did "he" know the subject in question personally or through years of studying second, third, and perhaps fourth sources?

I often struggled thinking studying other artists would taint the style, and sometimes message of my work. I had my favorite artists. They were my favorites because of their work as opposed to their life. I didn't understand that their work was a reflection of their life. As an artist, I should have made the correlation, but I didn't. After all, I created from my life experiences, and my life circumstances...and still do!



After a succession of conversations with other artists where I made major blunders about art history, I started to process things a tad different. Perhaps I was missing out on a wealth of knowledge that could propel my work to the next level instead of hindering it.


I am convinced that ignorance is a direct result of fear (fear standing for "false evidence appearing real"). So here I am present day studying what I should have been bothering to learn years ago. I am no longer afraid of what is to come of my work from studying artistic giants. I am sure that my work will stand on its own two feet!


Pearls of Wisdom:
History is a tool to learn from others, but more importantly a tool to learn of yourself!


Be blessed!

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Philly's Pulse

I am a person that marches to the beat of my own drum. I realize that now more than ever. Some call it unique, different, eclectic, and perhaps even a tad weird.

As I strolled home from the UArts AAP Emerge gallery opening at the Sande Webster Gallery (which was great!), I managed to pass by Rittenhouse Square Park. It reminded me why I am just a train ride away from the city.

What a variety of individuals. I was drawn into the people that were just as eclectic as I am. There were some who juggled, some who did tricks with hula hoops, some strummed the guitar, some walked their dogs, some played with frisbees, some were on dates, and some practiced acrobatics.
I am connected to Philly's pulse, and with each reverberating wave I feel a need to create. A need to express just who I am through my work. It's just enough push without being overwhelming. It's unassuming, but holds expectations...great expectations for those that too absorb all the incredible things it has to offer.

Thanks for the inspiration Philly! I am soaking you up!

Pearls of Wisdom:

Find the silver lining in the clouds, but more importantly, find the inspiration that comes through and after the storm!




Be Blessed!