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.