This is not what I was going to write about today, but last night I shared this video with my daughter — I’m sure I shared it before sometime or other but this time there was a very specific reason — and then I sat and watched it myself — it’s been awhile since I’ve seen it — and as always happens I laughed out loud, I teared up, and I believed, once again, that all things are possible. When I am at my lowest points and I remember to watch this video I am lifted up. I kind of pick myself up, dust myself off, and say outloud — startling the pugs no end! — MAKE GOOD ART! Make Good Art, Make Good Art, Make Good Art. And so I begin again, I do my best. And art isn’t just visual art that he is speaking of, no, it’s writing, music, dancing, any kind of art you make in the world. And no matter what else is happening in the world (some of his hysterical scenarios are “husband runs off with a politician,” Cat explodes!” his answer to everything is, “Make Good Art.”) Make Good Art.
I know that it is true that we are all natural born artists. Now, say this to some people and they will answer, “But I can’t even draw a stick figure!” Ah, but remember this, the greatest work of art that we create is how we choose to live our lives. Making a beautiful home is a form of art, no matter how humble the home, a few thrift shop finds and a vase of fresh flowers can create the most beautiful, charming, cozy spot in the world. Are you someone who loves to cook, who spends time in the kitchen at the height of her glory making wonderful meals, do you cook from scratch? Cooking is one of the greatest forms of art in the world. Gardening, knitting and crochet, all the fiber arts, spinning! These things are all tremendous artforms and make our world a more beautiful place to be. And of course drawing and painting, collage, some of the most unusual or seemingly random forms of art I find just thrilling. Like Austin Kleon…
I just adore Austin Kleon. Many of you know his books, his most famous being Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative. But he puts out, every Friday, one of the most wonderful newsletters I get and while I delete most of them without reading I read his whole newsletter, click through all the fabulous links and find absolute gems that I just fall in love with. Whole new worlds are born inside of me with some of the things that I find. Here is a link to his recent newsletter, and there is a link at the bottom where you can subscribe if you like. The point I was getting to, the long way around, (I’m a circular thinker and talker, sometimes it takes me awhile to get around to the point but I’d like to think it’s an interesting journey along the way!) was one of the things he shared in his last newsletter. This is an example of what I called “seemingly random forms of art” at the end of the last paragraph — and I’m telling you there’s no mistaking why this man’s work went viral! His name is Nathaniel Russell. I’m in love with it — you will find it here — Fliers and Fake Books. Kleon also showed this video about him that BLEW ME AWAY! AND I intend to try to do this! He gives you the assignment in this video and it thrills and delights me!
Oh Lordy, as I write this there are so many things I want to share. Of course Russell’s work, distributing his fake posters, immediately reminded me of a book I love and this is something I have shyly dreamed of doing. Over the next year, in this project, I swear, you are going to see me doing this! The author of the book is the amazing Keri Smith, and you need to READ THIS right away! How To Be A Guerilla Artist. The book is The Guerilla Art Kit and you can find it here…
Well shoot, I guess I should stop here but I’m having so much fun. This is fun for me, this makes me happy, so it’s a great way to move the project forward, sharing all kinds of amazing things with you that positively thrill me. I hope for some of you some of these resources are just what you’ve been looking for, JUST what you NEED! If you do, then join me, let’s get going and MAKE GOOD ART…
The Experiment ~A 365 Day Search For Truth, Beauty &
Happiness: Day 1 ~ Introduction To The Project
“Do or do not. There is no try.”
Yoda
So much delicious fun in this post! Some I wasn’t familiar with and will check out. Thanks, Maitri!
You are so welcome Cathryn, I’m glad you had fun reading it, I surely had fun writing it and plan to write lots more posts like this because I’ve been saving resources for so long and have so many things I’d love to share. Enjoy! 😀
I do believe no matter what is going on in my life that your Blog post enriches my life and I wait everyday for your posts. I love the open and honest posts that cover a huge circle of life and life events. Thanks for posting all that you do. JIM
Oh Jim you are so welcome honey, I’m so glad that you are enjoying the posts. That means a lot to me, more than you know. I hope all is well in your world. Love to you… 🙂
“The greatest work of art that we create is how we choose to live our lives.” Once agsin, you’ve given me a gem of wisdom, Maitri! After all that’s happened in the last three weeks, in addition to the broken arm, these 15 words have lit the light at the end of the tunnel for me! I can choose to remain buried under the pile of problems and read-only or, I can push and dig my way out from under and start anew with my dreams! Thank you dear friend!
Oh Susan thank you, you are very kind. And if something I’ve written has helped you then I am deeply blessed. I hope you recover as soon as possible and get through this hard time with peace and ease. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May you be blessed… 🙂