If you listen to those that like to tell artists how to run their sites, you’ll hear that you should keep your blogging content strictly related to art.
I have always struggled with this concept. Doesn’t art and the environment of the artist go hand in hand? I realize this isn’t the case for every artist, but without doubt, my world very much affects my art. Always has. The older I get, the more politics works into the creative vision (although that could have much less to do with my age and more to do with the asinine state of politics these days).
I absolutely believe it’s important for artists to be a part of their world; reflecting and shaping change. In this digital age, I feel like art is more important than ever. We have opportunities to spread the message like no others before us. Why not use it? That said, I don’t believe that the resource begins and ends with a final graphic to be posted and shared endlessly on the web. I think artists should use all of their available platforms, but more than that, artists should care about what’s going on in the world. Well, I think everyone should give a shit and be motivated to do something about the problems that exist, but I can’t really embark on that massive arena so I’m just talking to the artists right now.
There’s a multitude of reasons why this is on the forefront of my mind this morning. One of the top 5 is the crushing fear that young people will be passive during the upcoming elections and not vote. I know – I know – there’s a boatload of issues with the system, but guys – if you leave voting to the 70 year old Fox News audience, the changes you so desperately desire will never, ever happen.
I think young artists have a special ability to appeal to their peers. Do it. For the love of all things, do it.
Pay attention. Get angry. Create. Share. Change.
