Adopt the Arts

A shot of my studio getting ready for a show at Made in Muncie

Being an artist is not a get rich quick scheme or really a good plan towards a sustainable living. Making art, whether it’s a physical thing or a performance, is an obsessive passion. A passion, a gift, a pursuit to share the artist’s magic with the world. Artists help others to see the wonder in the usual by looking at things from another perspective. That is a gift but why is this gift not valued?

We take art for granted and we just assume that it has and will always be there. I’ve been taking self-inflicted graphic design classes and it has opened my eyes to the design world around me. Every letter, logo, color and layout for every man-made item was an artist doing. Decisions were made to create appeal and to add interest. Yes, in the effort to sway you to purchase but that design still adds value, joy. 

I reach for the same mug every morning because if feels good. The weight in my hand feels right. The brown, orange and yellow colors elevate the lettering and design giving it a retro feel I love. The off-white interior creates the perfect background for coffee. Bravo to the Modern Times designer for such a perfect masterpiece that brings me joy every morning. 

You could argue that the coffee or the person who brought it to me brings me joy and you’d be right. But coffee in that mug tastes, feels so much better. That is the magic of design and art! 

This is true of performance art as well. I have recently been spending a lot of time with Carmen Nikae, a talented clown who has opened my eyes to that craft. I had always associated clowning with large shoes, kid’s birthday parties and fear. Carmen picked up this thing called clowning, gave it a little turn and now my view has completely changed. Clowning is vulnerability, showing up as your authentic self and embracing the fun in the mundane. With that little investment into another form of art my understanding of comedy, movies, theater and clowns will never be the same for me. Chef’s kiss to that.

This magic is also found in what we classically call “art” as well. I collect works by Nikki McClure, a very talented paper-cut artist based in Olympia, WA. Collect is a strong word, since I cannot afford her work but I can afford her books and calendars. I look forward to each month to see what beautiful work will appear next. Having her artwork in my home makes me happy, brings joy, inspires and has me looking forward. 

I get that about art, we can’t all afford an original or everyone’s work you enjoy. I understand that about my own work and create opportunities for others to enjoy my work through stickers, t-shirts, greeting cards and in the future a calendars. I get it, money is tight. 

So how do we support artists to continue to make magic, delight and change our perspective? Buy art, a ticket, an album, subscribe and encourage. Show the artists you enjoy some love instead of buying something from a big box store. Go to the theatre instead of streaming the same episode of The Office for the 30th time. Support a local band by going to their show and follow them on social media. If you want art, if you want to be delighted, you’ve got to show up for artist. Remember, supporting artists not only enriches your own life by exposing you to new ideas and perspectives but also contributes to the vibrancy and diversity of our cultural landscape.