ism

I saw a Rothko biography on PBS recently, and it made me think that many artists are angry. I don't see the world in terms of why I should be angry at the the general population for growing and evolving as human beings. I think that people who are cynical are more likely to have negative intentions towards other people out of fear that they will be harmed in someway. Cynicism evokes a mistrust in people, and makes selfishness acceptable in the mind.

Many artists feel they have a message that they want to convey to others in an effort to change society. They may even be insulted that most people do not share their same beliefs. Hence, anger may be pervasive. As ironic as it sounds, I don't have a message that I wish to convey that is meant to convince anyone of anything I have to write. There is nothing specific that I want to write other than to write something that may resonate with someone that enables him to reflect for him or herself. It is kind of like that leapfrog game where you use the back of the guy in front to leap forward. It is meant as an impetus for viewers and readers to stimulate their own creativity to enliven their being. My art is about seeing possibility utilizing all skills to accomplish endeavors, and not limiting oneself to just their specialized talent. I guess that is a message, isn't it? =)

I recently encountered an attorney who expressed her like for my work, and I said that I admired someone who could study and utilize law to help solve issues. It amazed me when her response was something to the effect of, "I don't really have any talents so I had to go into law". As if being a lawyer isn't a talent. It is through these little connections that I think people are bored with their opportunities, and bored with themselves. However, in today's world, if you really know yourself you can figure out a way to apply yourself to the world enhancing the societal balance of what is skewed today towards a repetitious efficient mind. I think so much more can be accomplished when the energy reserved for boredom, cynicism, and anger can be learned to be utilized for creativity and reflection.

(c) kenneth martin