Tag Archives: artistic life
The Glass Metaphor
“The pessimist sees the glass as half empty, while the optimist sees the glass as half full.” Or something like that, at least. This simple phrase is how most people define his/her outlook on life: You are either a pessimist that sees the glass half empty, that things are constantly in a state of getting […]
Art and Wallpaper, Part 3: Why Wallpaper Is Not Art
As I was saying, that beautiful wallpaper … does it evoke a heart response? By looking at our three tenets of creating art (link here), it should become obvious why wallpaper is not art. Wallpaper does not engage with any of these— it is not specific in its emotional conveyance, it is purposefully unclear in […]
Art and Wallpaper, Part 2: The Three Tenets of Creating Art
In my previous article, we addressed the notion of what art is—it is a fundamental piece of the human condition that connects two or more people in a shared emotional state. An artist is the person who creates the thing (painting, dance, musical performance, creative writing, etc.) that transports the audience member into a similar […]
Art and Wallpaper, Part 1: The Art Question
I have a hard time calling myself an artist. And I have a hard time calling what I create art. I write music. I perform music. (Sometimes, on occasion, I may paint a picture.) To me, it is not in the craftsman’s scope to decide what is or is not art. But that also leaves […]
The Difference Between Doing What You Love and Loving What You Do
Love what you do, and do what you love, so the saying goes. The two phrases are inextricably tied together, but don’t confuse one for the other. Loving what you do… …is a choice. …will make you successful. …will inspire others to do the same. …is a daily commitment to not let jealousy, greed, or […]
(re)Focus
I have begun a journey into the practice of meditation. In addition to simply sitting alone in a room listening to my breath, I have been using several guided meditations found on YouTube. Some I have enjoyed, others not so much. The process of meditation is first about calming the mind and allowing all of […]
Five Truths of Being a Musician #4
As I’ve noted, there are several truths about the musical life. • Most people simply will not “get it.” • They don’t want to hear that new piece you’re working on. • Sometimes you will (and should) turn down a gig. Some of these truths you had to learn the hard way. Some are just […]
Are You Just Surviving? Or Thriving?
If you’ve ever kept a fish (in an aquarium, that is), you will understand this concept. There is a difference in a fish that is surviving and one that is thriving. While the surviving fish may still be “alive” it is only just barely so—it doesn’t move much, gasps frequently, and looks generally weak and […]
Long Tones: The Pursuit of a Life in Music 