Artists, we are all rebels, we seek the 'New', the 'Bold', the 'Shocking', the 'Different'. It would be our battlecry if we were organized enough to make one. Revolutions in history have been sparked and spread by master artists; here we stand in their wake echoing their work, yet trying to stand out in an ocean of voices screaming and clambering for the world to claim our work unique. I have struggled with my attitude towards classical education throughout the entirety of my college career; including that of the previous post on this very blog. My response boiled down to taking the path less traveled (student loans ignored I'm afraid). While I hold to that stance it comes with a caveat, that no matter where your decision leads, any assumption of an 'easy in & out' should be entirely forgotten. Statistics say my generation will not be as wealthy as the previous one, yet like a farmer, there is little to do but dig deep and preform what honest work we have been afforded till the Sun sets, then rises and again so we may continue where we left off the previous day. “Write, Shoot, Edit, Repeat”... Ryan Connolly, may have not originated the foundation of the saying, but as a photographer and amateur filmmaker, these words resonate. For while many of our projects and pursuits may be unique in form or function, their process remains the same, and cycle remains endless. In the wake of my recent graduation, I am beginning to realize the beauty, yet tragedy, in schooling's structure. In school we are given assignments, homework, examinations, and projects that appear either trivial or challenging- and even downright ludicrous. Yet no matter the obstacle we overcome, another lies ahead... that is until graduation; that event that comes but only a handful of times persons' life. But many fall into the trap of seeing that event as the 'The End' to their struggle, that the 'Real World' will bend to their whim, but how wrong they are. So what's the point? (As a Christian am obliged to answer according to my faith; but as this is not a blog about my spiritual conviction I digress). “I see all this potential, and I see it squandered. ...an entire generation pumping gas, waiting tables – slaves with white collars.... We've all been raised on television to believe that one day we'd all be millionaires, and movie gods, and rock stars, but we won't. And we're slowly learning that fact. And we're very, very pissed off” - (Charles Michael Palahniuk – Tyler Durden [Fight Club] ) So after graduation we rebel, we try to appear different. We claim our 'job' unique, yet we must preform as every one else. We are special... just like everybody else. Yet the world continues to turn whether we deny it or not. Many in artistic pursuits adopt that mystical 'made it' mentality where, “One day the world will know how great of an artist I am!”. Not surprisingly the world is not so easily swayed. Many endure. My brother once described it well, saying, that there is this whole world of middle class of artists and musicians that no one has ever heard of. They make movies, music, art... stuff that only a few dozen people will ever consume, but they are doing what they love, good honest work, rewarding of itself, and if even only a few people enjoy it, those artists will continue to create for those select few, and they love every second of it. We seek the 'New', the 'Bold', the 'Shocking', the 'Different'. Often we forget we are not unique. Our experiences while perhaps unique in setting are the same old stories told centuries past, in places far and near. The art we make still relies on the same old natural laws. Our development, physically, mentally and spiritually is not fundamentally different. Yet we rebel; but when it comes down to it, good honest work is an end, both in and of itself. We mustn’t assume it comes freely and without consequences, nor that they are offered equally to all. Most of us will go through life with our names and our work under the radar, known to few, and nameless to most; and that is perfectly ok. It is ok because we are doing what we love, for the people we love (in the name of Him who first loved us). Finally back in the swing. See you guys next week! - Isaac
