Good Morning bipedals, tripedals, and all other sneaky alien miscreants in our midst. It’s a lovely time of year in LA; the possibilities of summer and youth pierce the veil and stir my bones from a stubborn, melancholic stupor. Since my art practice is facing opposition from the money practice, I thought I’d remind myself of why art is important via Leguin and Anderson. Is art important? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. aaannnnndddddd LETS RIP!
The name of our beautiful reward is not ‘profit’
Its name is ‘freedom’
-Ursula K LeGuin
An author and poet spanning from science fiction (her beloved Earthsea series) to radical essays and children’s books, Ursula K LeGuin was a creative wizard of the highest quality. Her work tugs on your imagination; “Come see the magic!” while simultaneously challenging your ideas about serious topics such as trauma, abandonment, and the death grip of capitalism. This quote needs no further explanation, and I love her for it so very much. Try abstract painting sometime, profit junkies.
FFFFFFREEEEEEEEEDDDDOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!
“The thing of course, is to make yourself alive. Most people remain all of their lives in a stupor. The point of being an artist is that you may live.”
-Sherwood Anderson
Dear reader, I must admit I know less about Sherwood Anderson than quantum physics. Luckily, this doesn’t diminish his words. In today’s technocracy, I think the ‘stupor’ is where “they” want you. Seriously, you’re a better consumer that way, placated and dull— open to suggestion and easily manipulated. Art offers the chance to deeply commune with our inner and outer worlds and discover how astonishing and rich this one, precious life can be.
Now now, I know this week is a smidge romantic, but I NEED IT. Maybe you do too. Better a romantic idealist with a vision, than a resigned foot soldier in the empire of getting and spending. In conclusion, I leave you with a poem by Ursula, a video of Bob, and a quote by George Carlin.
Until next time,
-W