Marginalized people face a disproportionate amount of forced introspective work: the desperate search for purpose, or an innate “goodness”, that will counterbalance the shaming we face from those in power. After swimming through oceans of ignorance and deeply engrained biases, we’re often left dripping with diffidence. Maybe if I work harder at articulating my personalContinue reading “Standards of Lifting”
Tag Archives: writing
Dedication to Craft
Those of us who stand out as exceptional artists tend to be those who work the hardest on improving our craft. If you’re paying attention at all right now, you’ve heard of Amanda Gorman. Watching her recitation on Inauguration Day and her subsequent interviews, it’s easy to see the amount of hard work she putContinue reading “Dedication to Craft”
Delight in Just the Thought
I’m noticing a trend in my circles that makes me feel icky. Artists do not need to be “productive” to be good artists. We don’t need to be churning out viral videos, TV pilots, or reams of great poetry to be deemed worthy. I’m seeing a number of people (including myself) feeling uninspired or overwhelmedContinue reading “Delight in Just the Thought”
Open with Questions
Well, this was a failure. Not in its entirety, I suppose… While I didn’t write every day this year, I did write some, and the pressure I applied to myself to form better writing habits did prove to be somewhat useful. But the project continues, and I thank you all for coming along for theContinue reading “Open with Questions”
This Too is True
A common theme in my creative efforts these days is granting myself permission. For example, I grant myself permission to hold two opposing concepts as true. Yes, I’ve been easily distracted lately. But I’ve also been writing interesting material. I may not be dedicating a lot of time to perfecting what I make, but IContinue reading “This Too is True”
Dumpster
I couldn’t begin to tell you how much junk I’ve accumulated. I don’t mean physical stuff, though maybe I should examine that as well. I mean the overflow of words that didn’t make it to their intended projects. Many notes are piled on top of each other, virtual and otherwise, each containing thoughts and ideasContinue reading “Dumpster”
Rigid Needs
I’m learning to be easier on myself for having particular needs during the creative process. I find I write best on Saturday nights, usually after 10pm. I love this quote from President Barack Obama, pulled from a recent New York Times interview. He’s also a fan of late-night writing: “I find that the world narrows,Continue reading “Rigid Needs”
Paying Attention to Change
So much of art-making, I find, involves deep and focused listening. When we are hyperaware of the environments and people around us, we pick up on the intricacies of existence and articulate our discoveries to others more effectively. Such intense awareness is a skill to be practised. I also wonder if the most effective listeningContinue reading “Paying Attention to Change”
luke brown 