35 Comments
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Deanna Lewis's avatar

Speechless

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Woke Marxist Pope's avatar

Found myself nodding a lot while reading this. Godspeed, Justin Stacy Vereen.

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Judson Stacy Vereen's avatar

Thank you for reading!

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Beth Adams's avatar

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.

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Anake Goodall's avatar

a wonderful piece; thank you 🙏🌿

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Judson Stacy Vereen's avatar

Thank you for reading.

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Lorayne Busby's avatar

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.

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Judson Stacy Vereen's avatar

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.

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Joseph L. Wiess's avatar

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.

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CynthiaS's avatar

Yes!

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Daniel Henderson's avatar

Very thought-provoking piece.

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Steve Gallagher's avatar

Beautifully written, reading it from Mexico.

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Terry guitar's avatar

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!

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Thane of Cawdor's avatar

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!

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Ken Paul Rosenthal's avatar

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...

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Sloan Bashinsky's avatar

Stunning, soul- wrenching beautiful

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Mr. Raven's avatar

Bravo, applause, I know that feel!

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Judson Stacy Vereen's avatar

Thank you, Mr. Raven. I enjoy your cutouts. Nice work.

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Mr. Raven's avatar

Thanks so much!!!! You are brilliant.

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Rob DePaolo's avatar

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! 🙏☺️

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Judson Stacy Vereen's avatar

Thank you, Mr. DePaulo, best wishes to you as well. I appreciate you reading, truly.

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Sotiris Rex's avatar

That’s a thought-provoking relatable story

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Helette Gagnon's avatar

Nero’s violin was extra small

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