An Artist Responsibility

After the goofy hair post, which I am sure you enjoyed immensley, I am back to the philosophy session. Deb at RSR just don't read any further, I don't want you in the floor in a fetal position. So here's the deal, it all started when Nicky posted a marvelous, thoughtful post on authenticity. If you haven''t had a chance to read her post, get there immediately.

To summarize, an artist must remain true to their own vision and voice; regardless of what the market-driven world is pushing us to do. In light of her thoughts, I decided to list a few things that strike me as an artist responsibility. Take it for what it's worth....kevlar vest back from the cleaners.

An artist is responsible:
To bring their own voice, loud and clear to their work
To only themselves and not the viewers
To constantly play, explore and observe
To quit worrying about what other people will think of their work
To give up the idea of perfection...the nemisis of creativity
To follow the work where it leads them, not force the work into a piegon hole
To devote as much time as possible to their art
To evoke some response from the viewer whether good or bad
To stop making art in your head and start making art in the world
To remove from your life people who don't support you in your passion
To remove from your life people who suck you dry of your creativity for their own use
To be passionate, dedicated and slightly obsessive about your need to create

Add comments as they come to you...thanks Nicky for waking us up to how important being authentic really is.