Taking power is an art.

Artist BZTAT Self Portrait
“Self Portrait” by BZTAT

“The thing women have yet to learn is nobody gives you power. You just take it.” ~Roseanne Barr

To have power is to have impact.

Although society is changing, I sometimes feel as though women are still discouraged from having both power and impact.

Being discouraged from something does not preclude it from happening, though. It does make it a bigger challenge.

I have taken power in my life by pushing my way through doors that did not necessarily want my entry. I have annoyed and dismayed people in powerful positions, and I have caused them discomfort.

Was that because I was a woman or was it just me being a relentless pest?

I expect that varying perspectives could be shared in answer to that question.

I honestly don’t care which answer fits. I have accomplished things, and I make no apologies for it.

I know that, had I not pushed, I would have accomplished nothing, and that would have been unacceptable.

Men have been politely asked to enter the same doors that I have had to push my way into. They did not annoy and dismay folks in the same way that I did. But then, I am not sure that they had a lot of impact either.

Women often have to work harder to obtain and maximize the same opportunities available to men. But through their diligence and tenacity, women also can push change in ways that those who have had it easier cannot do.

I cannot say that I have mastered the art of taking power. But I have thrown paint at the canvas a few times. And I have pushed positive change, whether people liked it or not.

And I have made an impact.

Have you?

Naysayers Schmaysayers. Create it and they will come.

Enjoi Life Chalk Art

Artists and arts involved people can be some of the most inspiring and adventurous people. Their vision can take us places that we would have never imagined, and their ideas can propel us in new directions.

Artists and arts involved people can also be some of the most critical and negative people. Whether it is their overly emotive qualities or their inability to work through their own unfulfilled expectations, some artists seek to cast aspersions on the efforts of others to create.

We have some of both in the Canton Arts District.

There are some artists who take advantage of opportunities and create amazing works of art, regardless of what the circumstances around them may be. There are also others who fail to create much, and to vindicate themselves, they go around blaming others for their lack of success.

You know the type. They want to destroy any signs of success in order to make their own failures make sense.

I have my moments of expressing frustration. I at times complain about how the city administration and arts administrators in Canton make decisions that seem short-sighted to me. But I keep creating, and I keep doing what I can to make my city a better place to live – for artists and for everyone.

I keep working with others, whether I like their choices, and I keep on making my own opportunities, regardless of whether someone or something is standing in my way.

So if you are an artist who wants to convince me that someone or something has ruined your chances, all I can say is, get over yourself.

You can complain about the way things are, or you can change things and transform them into what you want them to be. It is your choice, and nothing anyone does to you can stop you if you really have the drive to create.

It is easy to complain. It is not so easy to find ways to work around obstacles. No one said creativity was easy.

I choose the latter, and I really have no time for those who choose otherwise.