I really like your points on art and vulnerability, Chuck. This hits perfectly:
"The reason someone’s art is outstanding is because they have put in the time and taken the initiative to be vulnerable. Regardless of the amount of suffering you’ve endured, if you strive to create art and it embodies your heart and soul, you are a great artist."
Such a nice perspective when looking at art created by someone, be they painter, singer, writer, and beyond.
Love Ladyship Warship- happy to see new music! I will run by Schuler’s on Orchard Lake Rd and pick up some books July 22nd I support GIG! Can you tell me more about what GIG does for musicians?
Thanks so much Thea for your support!!...yeah Ladyship are great! Looking forward to seeing them at Ogma in Jackson at Art Pop. As for GIG, while our focus is to showcase the visual artists in Michigan music, I think it lends an opportunity for musicians to network and meet other creative folks. We also book a few Michigan based bands to cap of the day and share Michigan music. We probably do more on the other arms of our Michigan focal points at Life In Michigan and Fans With Bands as I try to get to as many shows as possible to photographic the local bands in action and help spread the word on awesome Michigan music :)
I believe we all are destined to face hardships and experience suffering as part of the human condition, and that those moments define who we are, but I think creatives communicate these experiences through their art in various ways, often with more power or passion, than those who are not creative people (though one could argue we are all creative).
The suffering and trauma I've endured since childhood certainly affected my art (poetry, writing, music, drawing, etc) and gave it more impact or purpose. Those hardships were like pouring gasoline on the fire. So I question whether my art could've been as good without it.
As a fellow Dutchman and guitarist, Eddie Van Halen was always an inspiration in my life. He was one of the few people I always dreamed of meeting. When I read Brothers by Alex, it was eye-opening, and there are aspects of EVH I never knew but certainly understand now.
For example, his struggle with perfectionism and finding the right sound, or being so talented yet not always knowing how to harness it. These demons can be more vicious than physical abuse (I know from personal experience), which in turn could have contributed to his alcoholism and depression, among other things. This internal suffering is what perhaps led him to become one, if not the greatest, guitarist who ever lived.
All that diatribe being said, I think it's possible to be a good artist without all the suffering, but I also believe the kind of suffering and madness some creatives possess is what allows them to become great, even when greatness might not be what they seek to achieve.
Great post, Chuck!! I believe suffering influences the subject one writes about, not how good the art is. Trauma etc. often derails one in becoming the artist they should be.
I really like your points on art and vulnerability, Chuck. This hits perfectly:
"The reason someone’s art is outstanding is because they have put in the time and taken the initiative to be vulnerable. Regardless of the amount of suffering you’ve endured, if you strive to create art and it embodies your heart and soul, you are a great artist."
Such a nice perspective when looking at art created by someone, be they painter, singer, writer, and beyond.
Thanks much Neil!
Love Ladyship Warship- happy to see new music! I will run by Schuler’s on Orchard Lake Rd and pick up some books July 22nd I support GIG! Can you tell me more about what GIG does for musicians?
Thanks so much Thea for your support!!...yeah Ladyship are great! Looking forward to seeing them at Ogma in Jackson at Art Pop. As for GIG, while our focus is to showcase the visual artists in Michigan music, I think it lends an opportunity for musicians to network and meet other creative folks. We also book a few Michigan based bands to cap of the day and share Michigan music. We probably do more on the other arms of our Michigan focal points at Life In Michigan and Fans With Bands as I try to get to as many shows as possible to photographic the local bands in action and help spread the word on awesome Michigan music :)
Now that's a damn good question! Hmmm....
I believe we all are destined to face hardships and experience suffering as part of the human condition, and that those moments define who we are, but I think creatives communicate these experiences through their art in various ways, often with more power or passion, than those who are not creative people (though one could argue we are all creative).
The suffering and trauma I've endured since childhood certainly affected my art (poetry, writing, music, drawing, etc) and gave it more impact or purpose. Those hardships were like pouring gasoline on the fire. So I question whether my art could've been as good without it.
As a fellow Dutchman and guitarist, Eddie Van Halen was always an inspiration in my life. He was one of the few people I always dreamed of meeting. When I read Brothers by Alex, it was eye-opening, and there are aspects of EVH I never knew but certainly understand now.
For example, his struggle with perfectionism and finding the right sound, or being so talented yet not always knowing how to harness it. These demons can be more vicious than physical abuse (I know from personal experience), which in turn could have contributed to his alcoholism and depression, among other things. This internal suffering is what perhaps led him to become one, if not the greatest, guitarist who ever lived.
All that diatribe being said, I think it's possible to be a good artist without all the suffering, but I also believe the kind of suffering and madness some creatives possess is what allows them to become great, even when greatness might not be what they seek to achieve.
Thanks James for sharing your insights man!
Thanks so much, Chuck! I appreciate you and please keep up the great work.
Thanks Roger!!
Great post, Chuck!! I believe suffering influences the subject one writes about, not how good the art is. Trauma etc. often derails one in becoming the artist they should be.
Thank you