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| (at work on "With These Hands--Wonder" 18x24 oil on canvas |
DNA, the pupils of the eye, the fingerprints make each of
us pretty unique. Add to that our physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup;
the influences of environment, culture, personality, family, ancestry and
genes, and each person has unmistakable characteristics that separate him or
her from the rest of the pack.
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| "India Rising--the Found" 18x24 mixed media canvas |
Some people, including governments, would like each of us
to succumb to a “pack mentality.” They want us to fit us into little boxes they
can label, compartmentalize, manipulate, and tax. Governments in some parts of
the world have been successful at doing this; still, the freedom lovers, the pro-active
doers and thinkers rise to the top and clamor for “liberty or death” (Patrick
Henry).
We must never become a part of the “pack,” especially a
group that can be swayed, hypnotized, manipulated, or threatened. If we lose
our God-given uniqueness, we lose our freedom. Artists and performers must not
be hog tied into conformity or submission. To do so would be to lose our voice,
our identity.
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| "India Rising--Prince of Thieves" 16x20 mixed media canvas |
What makes us special is not only our talent and skill,
it is the way we think, dream, and achieve. Freedom of speech, freedom to
create and build must never be suppressed, unless that liberty begins to corrupt
or restrict the freedom of others.
Why am I waxing philosophic? Because I believe that
each of us leaves an imprint on the
world. From the time we are born until the time we die, we either make the
world a better place to live in or we destroy it bit by terrible bit.
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| "Blending In" 16x20 acrylic on canvas |
The choices we make each day are the predecessor’s of
tomorrow’s outcomes. We can choose to become a part of a destructive force (the
pack), or we can choose to think and act in ways that leave a positive if not
jarring influence on others to wake them up from their complacency.
As professionals we talk about “making our mark on the
world,” but if our focus is not anchored in truth and individualism, the result
may be collectivism. We may find that our freedom and individuality are owned
by the State. Artists of all stripes must protect individual liberty at all
costs in order to preserve our freedom to make a difference.
Featured Artist
Sam Randall, Brisbane, Australia: “I am a self-taught visual artist based in Brisbane. I have recently made the huge decision to pursue being an artist full time. My previous career was as a Children's Therapist where art and creativity were a key foundation to my practice. I have always needed to be in a creative role or I get bored and dissatisfied.”
Sam Randall, Brisbane, Australia: “I am a self-taught visual artist based in Brisbane. I have recently made the huge decision to pursue being an artist full time. My previous career was as a Children's Therapist where art and creativity were a key foundation to my practice. I have always needed to be in a creative role or I get bored and dissatisfied.”
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| "Flora Montage" by Sam Randall |
Carol, freedom is such a precious thing. It musn't be sacrificed to any cause or belief. In this respect, I think artists and poets have always led the way.
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