Understanding

I don't think there will be a day soon when artists don't have to explain themselves to those who claim they don't understand art. At the same time, I am baffled at the notion that people don't more fully identify with the concept of, and reasons for making art. This week, I have found myself in numerous situations, where I have been asked to explain exactly what it is I do. And when I have elaborated on my collective experience as an artist, I have been met with interest, in addition to comments along the lines of, "I am not artistic...I could never do anything like that!" However, I feel these types of statements are completely untrue! I want to tell everyone who thinks they cannot engage in an artistic experience that one does not need to be "talented," or "professional" to reap the benefits and revel in the joy art can bring.

I think too much of our culture is concerned with outcomes and pleasing others. And I think we forget about nourishing ourselves. Art is a constructive way to treat ourselves well; better than eating a whole box of cookies in front of the television, for instance. And we know that story all too well! At first, the cookies are great, then twenty minutes later, we're sick of them, and we've accomplished nothing but that sugary film on our teeth and a slight nauseous feeling in our stomachs! If nothing else, art gets us away from our televisions, computers and cell phones and puts us in touch with our true selves. When we put art in this context, should one have to be "talented," or "professional" to explore their own soul?

I am convinced that when more people allow themselves to discover their own aesthetics and deeply explore their relationship with shapes, colors, sounds, etc., our society will be filled with people who are more sensitive to each other and the world around them. It is my hope that through my continued work and the work of my fellow artists, we can demystify the process and encourage others to forge their own path with confidence in their thoughts and ideas and an understanding that art really is a universal language of souls.