Ellington

"Be daring, be different, be impractical, be
anything that will assert integrity of purpose and
imaginative vision
against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the
commonplace, the slaves
of the ordinary."
— Cecil Beaton

Perhaps this quote from Cecil Beaton is the underlying pulse in my life—the energy that exists in daring to attempt what seems extraordinary to you. Each person's idea of "extraordinary" will differ, but so long as one is striving and passionate, thinking and seeing, challenging and risking, I believe there is a dynamic sort of velocity. There is growth, and there is enlightenment.

It is the place where push and pull meet that a sort of magic occurs. In my work, I often feel this spark—this sense of life—when I use opposing or contrasting elements (for example, the intuitive in contrast with formal design elements, or playing with the addition of material versus the subtraction of another). I believe this instant, where contrasting components intersect, is creation, the life force and to some, where god lies.

It's been said that to make worthy art you have to lead a worthy life. So what you create isn't just a product that goes on a wall. "Art" could very well be how you lead your life. For example, are you authentic and honest or someone who lives blindly and never asks a question? For myself, this not only means creating a variety of work and attempting to stay fresh with my ideas, but it also means bringing that creativity and energy to a community. It means encouraging and supporting others. It means speaking up and stepping out. It means really attempting to be myself in all aspects of my life.

In leading a life that is challenging and daring, I have come to believe that energy and inspiration will translate through me and in to my work, that I merely serve as a conduit. I truly believe that there is something larger than my own singular will and wishings, and there are universal dreams and needs that connect us all.

The artist's role then is to attempt to bring things forth for others so that they may see, be inspired, think, react. To build a bridge, forge a connection.

We are all on the planet to learn and enjoy the experience. I don't think we are here to merely work a job and suffer. My hope is that in living my life honestly and creating work with a similar intent, I might shine some light for another person to be "real" and themselves. Every person is creative in some fashion and it is that which adds color and life to living. Art then serves as a viable and important aspect to all culture and to every single person's life.

Previous Comments

ID

79227

Comment

This is an inspiring story about how art can, does, or should imitate life. I see wisdom and guidance for all forms of living and creative expression. I was reluctant to read this article because I expected it to be about only finished products of art. Instead I found a story of living, learning, performing, caring, challenging, struggling, giving, thinking, and triumphing - the story of life. I would have taken art more seriously had somebody explained art to me in this fashion. You're already a master young lady, and I hope you get rich and famous someday.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2005-12-16T14:35:38-06:00

ID

79228

Comment

We are all on the planet to learn and enjoy the experience. I don't think we are here to merely work a job and suffer. My hope is that in living my life honestly and creating work with a similar intent, I might shine some light for another person to be "real" and themselves. Every person is creative in some fashion and it is that which adds color and life to living. Art then serves as a viable and important aspect to all culture and to every single person's life. Rebekah, I couldn't have said it any better. Being a single, 30-something chick myself, I understand where you are coming from. To me, art makes life worth living, whether tangible (painting, sculpture) or intangible (music, spoken word). I think one of the best times to dive into your passion is when you are unattached. I babysit my nephew and nieces a lot, but I wonder how much time I would have to be creative if I was surrounded by an army of ankle-biters 24/7. Of course, lots of people can do it, and I give them all kinds of credit. However, I just wonder how that would work for me. I'm sure a supportive hubby would help out big time, whoever that may be. :-)

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2005-12-21T23:40:44-06:00