Fragile Weave of Earth's Bounty: Interconnected

In February of this year, I had a dream about a certain set of brushstrokes, couldn't shake it upon awakening, and played with that idea painting small tradecards throughout the day. I developed numerous experiments that were quite abstract compared to anything I have ever done. It was a very serendipitous moment based on a tiny dreamt inspiration. The artifacts were almost more craft than art and I chose not to re-post them in this latest blog phoenix. But in reviewing the works, the original idea about brushstrokes had morphed into topological representations of left-and-right, step-by-step, chains, networks, particles, patterns, hidden wholes within segmented patterns, innovation with methods, different-but-equal, similarity, diversity, sizing, and finally, a small multimedia piece about conflagration of separated pieces. The resultant overall theme, however, was one of Interconnectedness.

During my three month respite from blogworld, I had to wrestle with numerous personal challenges that required my complete focus. But along the way, I read quite profusely as my sole recreation. About a lot of things affecting the world, the USA, the economies, the role of businesses, the peoples of the world, religions, governments, certain countries, certain events, certain issues, beliefs, cultures, group dynamics, the role of the individual, etc. I do not normally engage with political theory and dynamics but have increasingly been reading in that area over the last two years.

I have some ideas and conclusions I am not yet certain what to do with them. Somehow incorporating them into my art seems the most reasonable thing to do. Talk is cheap. So I won't do much more of that for now. Perhaps it will become part of a artistic Manifestoa and commitment in the future?

The very last artifact that I constructed out of the Connectedness journey in February I never posted but I offer it today after this prolonged respite. It characterizes my thoughts and feelings this morning as I get started.

Original Artifact: Fragile Weave of Earth's Bounty-Copyright James E. Martin 2012

Can we craft our future?

The Artists Manifestoa: A World View and Basis for Personal Commitment and Progress

Many art manifestoas have been declared throughout history and if one loves history, philosophy, political science, social science, activism, etc., some time and effort can be spent on their review and critique out in WebWorld.

At this time, I am willing to personally commit to something simple and straightforward that supports artist personal development that will help guide me and that embraces the many roads that others may take as well. I do not yet care to adopt a much larger or far-reaching one that may address the type of art to which I commit or that promulgates a particular social agenda or that tries to change the world through artist collaboration as yet. I sense that my commitments to further principles will continue to evolve over time. I appreciated this one which is outwardly inclusive with Respect for Diversity but focuses to a great extent on nourishing the strength of one's own Inner Voice by Amelia Critchlow.

(1)   We are all artists/ creators
(2)   Know the source of your passions. Therein lies the root of your art.
(3)   Research continuously
(4)   Ask questions relentlessly
(5)   Never accept anything anyone says as a given "truth". Find your own truth and express it.
(6)   Know what you enjoy
(7)   Do what you enjoy
(8)   Master and refine your own talents (Not others)
(9)   Do something every day, if not every week, to feed your art
(10) Never let criticism stop you from doing your art, ever

Conclusion: I will walk this walk. Continue to nourish and listen to the Inner Voice. Be Inclusive and Respect the Diversity.

The Creative Pursuit: Who are We in the Cacophony of Larger Events?

We live in what may be the greatest of times. Just imagine for a moment the tantamount number of souls across human history that have experienced only hunger, poverty, famine, ignorance, disease, violence, war, fear, tyranny, bondage, oppression, and obscurity. Have we really considered, personally and corporately, the end result of the lack of freedom and venue in the world to BECOME somebody special and noteworthy based on who you are or who you want to be? Have our conclusions, our thinking, and our actions truly influenced how we behave and decide in the moment? What has humanity not attained, gained, or retained as a result of the spirit of darkness that suppresses or ignores the achievement and recognition of individual creative expression? How should we position ourselves and posture our artistic efforts amidst the clamour, chaos, clutter, and noise that might drown an emergent pure and sweet song?

Throughout all the ages of humanity, each soul has lived their allotted time on this green earth. Each individual is framed by their geneological roots, born to a time, germinated in a country, fostered by their family, shaped by their culture, and handed their talents. We are born of water and return to dust. We do not choose these foundations.

Yet, each of us has a Unique Potential based on our foundations. No one else in all of humanity has been given our particular and marvelous formula of attributes. By deliberately and purposefully selecting the direction for and application of our life's force and energy, we can execute activities in Time to leverage our talents, increase our knowledge, grow our abilities, develop our skills, and add to our experiences. We can share ourselves, connect, and inspire others. Perhaps it can be asserted that the fulfillment of the human spirit is in achieving one's Unique Potential along life's journey.

We may live in obscurity. Or we can endeavor, with providential wisdom, discernment, and guidance, to live our lives in a creative pursuit, to study, follow, and emulate those who have gone before us, to make our own contribution and legacy through personal hard work and concerted effort, to innovate with our mind, our heart, and our voice, and therefore to make our individual mark with our own destiny to scribe upon the recording of world history.

 Manifestoa: My recommended position and posture is this.....Let us each, then, resolve to march forward today and each moment thereafter, with deliberate design intent, finding our own purposeful way and manner, running the race that is set before us, overcoming obstacles and limitations, emanating the joy and happiness of our own melody and light, respecting the value of others, embracing the diversity around us, connecting and sharing for the greater good, absorbing and reflecting the influence from the communities that surround us, making a joyful noise and dance, resonating the harmony of many voices that influence who we are, and thus create our individual Masterpiece upon the timeline of humanity.