Have you ever sat in a room with art and felt like it was deeply alive!? Not all museums possess this amazing quality. But the good ones — or the good pieces — they still breathe.
Yesterday, I was surrounded by living and breathing art at the Burchfield Penney in Buffalo — most notably, the exhibit on William Y. Cooper. (I walked around trying not to cry, embarrassingly.)
I’ll just let this speak for itself.
In addition to the beautiful art, one of the things that was so striking is the way that Mr. Cooper spoke about art. Here’s his one, on 1991 computer paper 😍:
At any given moment in our existence, we are the sum total of all our experiences; directly from our personal responses to life and the universe, and indirectly through the lives of our ancestors.
I am an afrocentric artist. My world view is rooted in an African frame of reference and a deep, abiding sense of the creator from whence I draw my inspiration, strength and a sense of who I am.
Thematically and stylistically, my works are a fusion of two cultures: my American experience and my African heritage. These two experiences form the basis of my reality.
My work is conceptual, subjective and highly metaphorical. The use of symbols allows me to explore literal ideas.
I believe that true art is the creative expression of our experiences, and probably, the noblest expression of the human spirit. If so, then art must embody the highest ideals and aspirations of humankind.
Woah. Such an incredible expression of artistry.
Let’s start at the beginning. We are a sum total of all of our experiences. How many times have you forgotten this? Lately, have you thought that you could have, should have, or wish you could? You’re human, so there’s a chance, in the relatively recent past, you said such things. In those moments, are you thinking about all the experiences, that led to this moment? Probably not. Maybe we can use this to give ourselves, and our neighbors, and our enemies, a little bit of a break.
And a little secret? This openness and this lack of judgment allows for creativity.
But let’s get into the end of Mr. Cooper’s beautiful statement, at least for all of us other creatives.
I believe that true art is the creative expression of our experiences, and probably, the noblest expression of the human spirit. If so, then art must embody the highest ideals and aspirations of humankind.
The highest ideals! The aspirations of humankind! Such a noble goal. Does this mean that we need to always say something political, or be all hoity toity? For me, no, not at all. The highest ideals are Truth. Joy. Love. Does Sabrina Carpenter express all these things? You betcha.
But imagine writing, or creating art, knowing that we are aiming to creatively express our experiences. No matter what they are. Talk about freedom!
I’m ready to go write, what about you?
Love always,
Lauren
P.S. THANK YOU for showing up and dancing at the Shimmer Sun Fest! We had beautiful weather, and a beautiful turn out, and we can’t wait to do it again next year!
