TOPIC OF THE MONTH
The Quest of the Artist Posted on 03/01/2008
The Quest of the Artist
By Annie Ruth
The existence of the arts is not only for the mere enjoyment of escaping into fantasy worlds of galactic wars, chivalry, and magical kingdoms. And although we enjoy the vast use of profound themes that saturate poems and artistic compositions, it is not simply creating enjoyment in art that is at the forefront of the artist's plight.
The task that is set before the artist is much like that of the power in the tongue. Art is the powerful written word-- the prolific arrangement of themes, imagery, and color, and so much more; And within it is the ability to bring life or death. This artistic undertaking is best described as the “quest” because artists have a “call” upon their lives to be ministers of art. It is with this gift of communication that they are able to help transform the minds and spirits of people.
What exactly is the quest? The quest is to provide art that strengthens, enlightens, and provokes positive spirit and thought. In our day and time, to create anything less is futile.
ArtBeat is part of a strategic plan to help aspiring artists, as well as others, move forward in their artistic pursuits. There is also a challenge to every artist, as well as others, to procreate and pass the torch of art and literature to others. Our world cannot contain enough creations, birthed by those with a unique perspective, such as artists have-- we see the world multi-dimensional . The Quest of the artist is a "calling" -- an exhortation to existing artists, artistic scholars, aspiring artists, and the community at large to keep art at the forefront of our culture. “To be a great leader, one must me a great servant”.
In summation, this quest demonstrates that it is our artistic leaders—those who have prevailed in the artist's and writer’s market and those who have withstood rejections and negativity to still rise above artistic obstacles to share their story. It is those artists who will help to (nurture) the up-and-coming artists and create more torchbearers. We’ve got to embrace the same spirit of one of our great foremothers, Harriet Tubman (Araminta); We must not be satisfied in making the artistic journey just for ourselves, we’ve got to go back and get as many brothers and sisters in this artistic struggle as possible.
My Sista My Friend ConferencePosted on 03/01/2008
Back by popular demand-- My Sista My Friend Young Women's Conference is scheduled for October 2008. Location to be determined. (For young women ages 13 - 25).
