Here’s an excerpt from the press release for An Artist Empowered:

“While having the dream to be an artist is admirable, persevering against the collective drag of disappointment, doubt, and adversity demands more: artists must fortify—not coddle—themselves with strength of character if they are to fulfill their mission. The artist must not only be self-reliant, he must also remain vigilant of those who would co-opt his fire from heaven to roast marshmallows.”

Are you creating despite the dire events you read about in the news? Why is this important?

And, if this is so for you, are you creating despite the dire (do not abuse this word) events going on in your own life? Why is this important?

Sometimes, the artist must face the metaphor: Is she making art while Rome is burning?

These are questions which you, not a committee, must ultimately confront and answer.

What is art? This is the greatly debated question, which I delve into in great detail in my book, An Artist Empowered.

Art teaches mostly what not to do: do not prejudge; do not assume, do not judge, do not falter, do not give your power away, do not give into pettiness, and do not accept secondhand information, which is what it sounds like.

Art, and it is magic art that I’m writing about, allows us to feel (not think or conceptualize with preconditions) with our emotional intelligence the presence of transcendence; in this sense, art is an artifact of truth. Why is this important? Life without transcendence, poetry, courage, and spirit is sterile.

When you have made that trip to the mountain, wherever it might be and at whatever the cost, no one can confuse you with whispers of doubt. 

Excuses.

What are they? Why do you use them? Are you an excuse abuser? Can you hear how you diminish your own self with the self-justifications that limit you—as a creator and a human being?

Remember, the true artist will always find a way. This is the mantra you need to indelibly etch into your consciousness for the next time you begin to utter that excuse in whatever form.

Excuses are what they sound like, so said the master.

The question came up.

Am a writer who paints or a painter who writes?

So, as not to box myself into labels and corners, I said: “I’m a creator who writes and paints. Remember, an artist, a creator, has no medium.

If the metaphysical shoe fits, wear it.

We’ve all been there. If only we could go back in time and right a wrong—one of our own doing.

To feel regret without an act of contrition that addresses remorse in some meaningful way is disingenuous and a victim’s game.

While the soul is perfection, we are not—which is a debated topic. As an artist, my dharma is to reflect truth; I leave perfection to consciousness, which does not require our help.

So, when the next opportunity to right that wrong reveals itself, grab the brass ring and burn away the karma that has been dragging you down.