Most would agree, I think, that as artists we spend the
majority of our time giving of ourselves, our visions, our dreams and that
really is the purpose of art, isn’t it?
Someone told me yesterday that when I dance, I set people free and it
was probably one of the greatest compliments ever paid to me because that
really is one of my hearts deepest desires.
As I always tell friends that when I dance, I want people to feel it, to
feel me, the music and for it to make them believe in the possibilities of
life. This is grounded in my firm belief
that the whole purpose of art is to give, so it does not surprise me at all
when artists further this endeavor through the act of charity.
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So often, as artists we have not had an easy life nor is the
more serious pursuit of our art easy.
Through it we may develop quite the support system that helps us
maintain our sanity and create some stability, for me I call them my dance
family. But I understand that most
artists develop a family of sorts that support them through the disappointments
and successes alike and this really does breed a feeling of wanting others to feel
this love and support. We have been
gifted with the ability to share our art with the world and the gift of having
those that support our endeavors and it warms my heart when I see artists,
especially very successful ones, giving back to the communities and people who
support us.
The inspiration for this blog comes from reading an article
a few days ago on Music Industry News
Network regarding a new foundation being established by Cee-Lo Green
and his sister called the Greenhouse Foundation whose mission is
to educate students on what it means to live “green” and how they can
contribute to the health and sustainability of their environment. The best part, from my perspective, is that
the program is geared toward assisting in communities that would otherwise be
overlooked. Also, that it is teaching
the next generation how their actions impact the future of the environment and
what they can do to preserve it.
Programs that are geared toward building better environments for youth
are of special interest to me. This new
program excites me as much as my favorite organization Black Girls Rock, which
was established by Beverly Bond and focuses on creating programs that focus on
the arts for young women of color and by empowering them and helping them
develop a more enriched perspective on life.
These examples are reminders for me that giving is one of
the greatest roles an artist can play in the world and inspire me to want to
give more. Imagine how much more
successful each of us can feel when we are adding so much joy and richness in
the life of others. This is really an
extension of what it means to be an artist.
What gifts are you giving through your art? These are just my thoughts and I would love
to hear yours. In the meantime, do you
and creatively mind your business.
Peace
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