Your writing gave me the freedom again to be. Happy you are at a good place for yourself. I very much agree with your take on the expectations others have. You had the courage and inistence to transend it. Bravo! Now I can work again today on my own story with my own materials of preference (fabric). Cheers.
I left America almost twenty years ago. Very good decision at the midpoint of my life I'm grateful to America but glad not to be there now. I liked what you wrote here; rings true to me as an artist though it's easy to forget or make trade-offs. Thank you for the reminders.
I feel this way too about America. I'm about to head to Sweden next month to be with my boyfriend that I met in Thailand. Some will say I have given up on The States (born and raised in CA), but playing their game is getting old. There is no thriving, only barely surviving.
Yes, I do understand. I am grateful towards America, I had a great childhood. But no matter how great America is or was or whatever-there is still such a big world out there. You can be perfectly happy and still feel the need to go out into the unknown and play.
After 70 years of making art and being puzzled by the Art Scene. I have determined that all along this creation has been a sacred celebration of life. For me and all of humanity. Carry on regardless!
Indispensable essay, Judson. Reads like I could have written it myself. Perfectly encapsulates the modern-day artist's struggle with the right prescription for our self-preservation in these confused and challenging times. Best of luck with life in Brasil!
Several years ago, I became aware that making art--if not being human, regardless of one's stated vocation--is a means towards becoming the best version of myself. I'm a filmmaker and when I join two discordant images together onscreen, I feel--with palpable ecstasy--that I've forged a new connection within my very being. Furthermore, artists don't 'own the market' on creativity! To be human is to be fundamentally creative. If only most folks didn't siphon it away and live in a near constant state of distraction, they too could live a life of insight and integration. And rather than seek to prosper in material accumulation, prosper in spirit. Lastly, consciously making my films in service to others preceded my awareness that I'm essentially an in-progress work of art. Perhaps the best way to get over our selves is to get out of ourselves. Creativity is a two way street for all sentient beings. Thanks, Judson, for inpiring these thoughts...
Thank you for sharing this Erik. It is so refreshing and freeing to read these perspectives and know that I'm not the only one that feels confined/restricted by the societal "norms" of the art (including writing!) world, especially in America. Best wishes to you Judson! 🙏☺️
Speechless
Your writing gave me the freedom again to be. Happy you are at a good place for yourself. I very much agree with your take on the expectations others have. You had the courage and inistence to transend it. Bravo! Now I can work again today on my own story with my own materials of preference (fabric). Cheers.
Very cool, Barbara. Thank you for giving it your time. Glad you can get back to work, ha.
Found myself nodding a lot while reading this. Godspeed, Justin Stacy Vereen.
Thank you for reading!
I left America almost twenty years ago. Very good decision at the midpoint of my life I'm grateful to America but glad not to be there now. I liked what you wrote here; rings true to me as an artist though it's easy to forget or make trade-offs. Thank you for the reminders.
a wonderful piece; thank you 🙏🌿
Thank you for reading.
I feel this way too about America. I'm about to head to Sweden next month to be with my boyfriend that I met in Thailand. Some will say I have given up on The States (born and raised in CA), but playing their game is getting old. There is no thriving, only barely surviving.
Yes, I do understand. I am grateful towards America, I had a great childhood. But no matter how great America is or was or whatever-there is still such a big world out there. You can be perfectly happy and still feel the need to go out into the unknown and play.
Hope you enjoy Sweden. Thanks for reading, LYM.
We are drawn to create for creation's sake.
Whether other people see it or not is irrelevant.
It is there for people to find.
Yes!
Very thought-provoking piece.
Beautifully written, reading it from Mexico.
After 70 years of making art and being puzzled by the Art Scene. I have determined that all along this creation has been a sacred celebration of life. For me and all of humanity. Carry on regardless!
Indispensable essay, Judson. Reads like I could have written it myself. Perfectly encapsulates the modern-day artist's struggle with the right prescription for our self-preservation in these confused and challenging times. Best of luck with life in Brasil!
Several years ago, I became aware that making art--if not being human, regardless of one's stated vocation--is a means towards becoming the best version of myself. I'm a filmmaker and when I join two discordant images together onscreen, I feel--with palpable ecstasy--that I've forged a new connection within my very being. Furthermore, artists don't 'own the market' on creativity! To be human is to be fundamentally creative. If only most folks didn't siphon it away and live in a near constant state of distraction, they too could live a life of insight and integration. And rather than seek to prosper in material accumulation, prosper in spirit. Lastly, consciously making my films in service to others preceded my awareness that I'm essentially an in-progress work of art. Perhaps the best way to get over our selves is to get out of ourselves. Creativity is a two way street for all sentient beings. Thanks, Judson, for inpiring these thoughts...
Stunning, soul- wrenching beautiful
Bravo, applause, I know that feel!
Thank you, Mr. Raven. I enjoy your cutouts. Nice work.
Thanks so much!!!! You are brilliant.
Thank you for sharing this Erik. It is so refreshing and freeing to read these perspectives and know that I'm not the only one that feels confined/restricted by the societal "norms" of the art (including writing!) world, especially in America. Best wishes to you Judson! 🙏☺️
Thank you, Mr. DePaulo, best wishes to you as well. I appreciate you reading, truly.
That’s a thought-provoking relatable story