It’s difficult to imagine, but when I started my career as an artist consultant, most artists suffered from being subservient to the power brokers of the art world. Many artists outside the “elite circle”, felt like outcasts in an impenetrable system. However, the roles of artists and arts advocates have changed dramatically. There are many powerful art pioneers who are changing the world and developing their own circles. They are not only impacting their communities but their actions are affecting the entire global landscape.
Hooray! Empowered and savvy artists are breaking the old rules, taking hold of the reigns, knocking down walls, pushing against boundaries, stepping onto center stage, and raising their voices with confident leadership in many new directions.
It requires boldness and conviction to turn left when everyone else is going right. However, the true creative spirit yearns to be a contrarian. Pioneers can relate to the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Breaking Away From Traditional Roles and Identities
It is refreshing to see art pioneers shedding traditional outworn identities and adorning new roles. The artist who is also a curator, the former curator who is the founder of a non-profit organization, an eco-artist who is a influential blogger… the list goes on. They are powerful activists, self-sufficient “Artrepreneurs”, founders of international foundations, and even TED speakers with millions of hits on YouTube.
Widespread Changes in Perception
Certainly, we can attribute much of the change to the advent of social media. But, there is also a transformation in consciousness that is perpetuating this change. Leaders in corporate America and the media are applauding individuals who possess creative traits. Scientific research on brain activity and the advantages of strengthening “right brain” attributes are causing major shifts in perception. Medical facilities are bringing art into their spaces to promote healing. The scientific community is inviting artists to collaborate with them in their communication efforts.
Artists Forging New Territories
We don’t need to look far to find many artists who have stepped outside their comfort zones and the four walls of their studios to embark on new territories. Many artists are traveling to impoverished areas worldwide to bring people together through community art projects.
Current conditions require brave actions for change, so step outside the box, color outside the lines, and join the growing number of pioneering creative spirits who are changing the world.
Agnes Jorgensen, (jorgensenart.com) is an artist who lives in Sainte-Anne-Des-Lac, Quebec, Canada. She created this oil painting “Let Your Light Shine” to evoke this message: “Step into the forest. Take a deep breath. Ground yourself in Mother Nature’s beauty. Observe the sacred moment of being aware in her colourful glory. Enjoy the moment of peace and free yourself from worry to make space for the light to shine through.”
Agnes and her husband Andre Chatelain, who is also an artist, share a deeply felt humanitarian spirit, a passion for Africa and its people, and have combined their talents to create Painting A New World, an organization that brings healing to others. Visit the Painting A New World website at paintinganewworld.com
When I asked them “What advice would you give someone who has a desire to embark on a similar path?” They replied, “Start NOW. Get involved at any level. Starting a non-profit organization takes an incredible amount of commitment of time, energy, and discipline. It is rewarding but funding can be a challenge. Find out what other non-profit organizations are doing, join them and learn from them. Be patient. Set your goals and stay the course.”
Inspiring Words from Goethe
Nineteenth century German writer John Wolfgang von Goethe might have been speaking to the creative spirit when he said, “Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: That the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too … Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.”
Thanks so much for ARTmosphere!
I will be reading this article again and again. May it carry and inspire all creatives onto new and exciting ventures.
I will be sharing this article! I 100% agree that there is no point waiting for someone to come and take us to the high grounds of success in the art world. There is so much that we can do ourselves to gain a certain notoriety in specific circles that pertain to our themes and interests. The opportunities for artists to lead their successful career on their own are endless, Thanks to people like Renée that are sharing plenty of information and are there to help us along the way!
So much of this call to action…to be passionate…purposeful and mostly persevering…resonates with me and my hopes to bring another kind of art to the world. Thank you for sharing your insights, Renee!