Art for People's Sake

"The need to communicate, connect and express ourselves is fundamental and biological. The bright line we are told divides art from entertainment, education, individual and community development is fairly new in human history, and it diminishes the complexity and the value of the arts for everyone. It is one of many reasons so many Americans consider the arts unnecessary."

"...it is teaching artists who have the skills and understanding to create artistic experiences that have the resonance, relevance, and meaning needed to reform the arts as well. One hundred thirty-two years after the founding of Hull-House, teaching artists are reminding us once again, that the arts are for everyone, and that making culture is everyone's -- not just professional artists' -- birthright."

What do I think of art for people's sake? Frankly, I don't enjoy that it is put at the forefront, however it is gratifying to approach what I do for a living a little differently. I grew up believing "real artists" didn't teach. Now, I reconsider. You might say this is a direct result of my current situation-graduating with a fine arts degree and ending up in education. The reality of it all, is that my teachers and mentors for the last 19 years of my life contributed so significantly to the kind of artist I am today. 

I teach to inspire, and to allow my students access to the same benefits of this art form that I receive, regardless of their end goal. 

"I had questions like, 'What am I here for?' and because I didn't have any answers, I struggled with my soul. I had a very hard time sharing things with people because I was very shy and didn't really understand how relationships worked. When I started to understand that what we share creates an energy to the world, I started to relax and spend time with people instead of avoiding them." -Marion Cotillard

Feathers float on by the conventions.
They dance 'round these animals,
and land at their feet-
to be swept up by people like me.

All the pussy handshakes aren't going to cut it.
Not with the science
and the starships
and the submarines
juxtaposed with the mythology of our day.

Lady, lady liberty,
They've got your spangled tits in a twist.

On capital hill,
there's a spot where you can sit after dusk with your privileged family
and remember the last time you even bothered to look up.

To the sons and the daughters,
these stars are new and precious.
They aren't even American.

Radio signals

Blaring music out car windows just to make up for lost words.

Feminism and marriage

Cracked skin between each

sturdy

digit.

I cup your sweet face with these working hands

and take the deepest breath.

I wash the dishes but you

already know these things.

I'm still the ghost to all these boys.

Now, I haunt their counter parts.

The women, no, they don't know.

I wish I was more positive.