Creation as an act of resistance, let’s call it Creativism, also includes art for the pure joy of it, because joy is a form of resistance, and authoritarian regimes absolutely hate it when we are happy in spite of them. Creativism also includes art for rest and restoration, because rest also is resistance. It includes every act of creativity, because creativity is the opposite of destructive, toxic authoritarianism. Creativity is a celebration of freedom...
Intuition in art and life feels "counter-intuitive" because it may go against what "makes sense." But intuition can lead us, when analysis fails.
The phrase “art as prayer” came to me last week during a conversation with fellow artists. This kind of art doesn’t care what anyone thinks. It doesn’t consider time spent a waste of time. It doesn’t care if the final product is “good” in others’ eyes. And while the artist wants to make something “good” in her own eyes, in a sense, whether a particular piece is good is not as important as what happens in the act of creation. The very process of creation changes something.
Why do we associate irresponsibility with creativity? Is there any merit to this association? Or are we devaluing something vitally important? These questions are ones I ask myself a lot. My masters degree research was related to these questions, but these are not just research questions, they are life questions.
Art is still long, and life is no less fleeting. My husband and I have come through a long difficult journey in the last few years. We cared for his parents and my dad in hospice, lost them along with another beloved family member who passed unexpectedly. And in the midst of our losses, we also moved from our home of 11 years for me, and 30+ years for Craig. It has been a good move, but change nonetheless, and change takes adjustment.
"Art is long, time is fleeting." (Longfellow) "Life is short, and art long, opportunity fleeting, experimentations perilous,and judgment difficult." (Hippocrates) - Art takes a lot of time, and furthermore, it is important despite what society tells us.
"You're the shoemaker with no shoes!" - My Mom. It's been just over a year since I got this domain, and put together a basic "placeholder" website. It's been a fun and adventurous year! I've worked on several online store projects for artist friends, as well building a nonprofit site from the ground up. I have several other projects ready to start soon. All for causes or people I really believe in. It has been a professionally rewarding and delightful year!
Nearly two years ago now, I left my job in the nonprofit sector. When I left, I was unwell, and had been unwell for months. As I slowly regained my health, I began to consider what kind of life I wanted. I knew art must be a part of it. I knew time for reflection and writing had to be a part, even if I was "just" writing in my journal.