Category: Thought for the day

The Artist's Journey – Come along for the ride!

Sailboat on a Lake - Art by BZTAT
“Sailboat Wind” – Digital Art by BZTAT

If you buy art, you do so for a number of reasons. Regardless of the reason, you want to see the artist become successful, right?

If the artist becomes successful, it vindicates your purchase. The work that you own becomes more valuable, and you can honestly take pride in identifying a rising star before everyone else does.

More than anything, though, you want to see the artist become successful because you are part of their journey. When you support an artist, you become part of that artist’s story. You help the artist reach a point where they contribute greatly to the world, and that is no small thing.

Artists, be grateful to those who share and support your journey.

I look at the issue of artists making a career from their talent from two different perspectives.

There are concepts that society promulgates about artists that need to be changed. But artists also need to take responsibility and not assume that life should be handed to them on a silver platter.

I have started a writing journey to more openly share my own struggle with making a career as an artist that is financially sustainable. I hope that it is interesting to those who would purchase my art, even though the journey will inevitably lead to higher prices.

I hope it is interesting to others as well. Even if you do not purchase my art, you are supporting my journey. Thanks!

Where do you think this journey will lead me next?

Value vs. Success. Is there a difference?

Abstract collage by Artist BZTAT
“Modern Art” Collage by BZTAT

“Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value. ~Albert Einstein”

Were I to talk with Mr. Einstein, I might quibble with him on being a “man” versus a woman of value. I do, however like the intent of his statement.

Do you seek success, or do you seek value? What is the difference to you? I am curious as to others’ thoughts on the concept…

(Contact me if you are interested in purchasing the artwork above. As of the date of posting, it is available. 🙂 )

Unlikely Heroes

Rodney King
“Rodney King”  – Art by BZTAT

Some people are catapulted to fame through creative or entertaining actions. Others become household names through heroic and brave deeds in the face of danger. Still others become known through athletic prowess or amazing accomplishments.

And then there is Rodney King.

He became known not for something great that HE did, but for something awful that happened to him.

By all accounts, including his own, Rodney King was something of a screw-up. Battling addiction his entire life, he was prone to mishaps at every turn.

How did someone seemingly lacking in the typical qualities of heroism become such a pivotal figure in the American civil rights movement?

I believe that the answer lies in his human frailty – something that we often overlook as an important element of the human experience.

Rodney King reminded us that we all are susceptible to our human demons – and susceptible to the demons of others who use our  frailty to enhance their own overvalued sense of power.

Despite his frailty, Rodney King was able to demonstrate the most civil and responsible behavior in the face of society’s over reaction to what was done to him.

“Can we all get along?”

He later issued genuine forgiveness to those who had harmed him and he simply encouraged everyone else to do the same.

We were all amazed how he survived back in 1991. Now, 21 years later, we are saddened at his passing at age 47.

You were an unlikely hero, Rodney King.

But a hero, nonetheless.