How terrible, brutal and ugly the world would be! Without visual beauty, design, architecture – or the sounds of music, dance, theatre – worse then barbarians we’d be, running around a whole lot crazier than anything happening now.

It’s really very simple.
No matter what, artists have to keep going.
If you are Called, it’s do or die.

To do = fun, satisfaction, frustration, terror, growth, excitement, pleasure, fulfillment, soul-happiness.

To not do = wither inside, bleak mind, heart empty, sadness, irritability, frustration, unending dissatisfaction, soul-killed.

Artists are the ones who keep reminding us of the love, humor and sweetness beyond the violence, killings and hatred, and the stupidity and the politicians and the incessant profiteering-based wars.

It’s the creative part of us all that keeps life being worthwhile.

What is life for, otherwise?

Don’t fall into the wormhole of despair.

Grieve, but don’t fall.

Mourn, but somehow, even if your life feels like you’re fingernailing it up an impossible wall – keep going.

DON’T LOSE HEART – NURTURE IT.

Ask yourself: if I had a Calling, what would it be?
Once you know what it is: DO it.
Do your Calling.
Do it all day every day, no matter what.
If you can’t be actively doing it, think about it, dream about it.

Make sure that everything you say and do is aligned with that Calling.
Add the gratitude you have for your friends, family, co-biz people, clients and supporters.
Every one of them precious.
Now add the deepest love you can conjure up in yourself.
Nothing else has any importance.
Everything else is superficial. Ditch it.

Clarify your Calling.

What is it?
Art? Music? Speaking? Writing? Mothering?
Ambassador? Activist? Teacher?

What does it want you to be, and do?

The first chance you get, DO it.
Focus on it.
Let everything unimportant fall away.

Keeping doing your Calling.
Ask it to do you.
Tell it you love it!

And then blab about it all over the place, so we know where we can take refuge under your wings, relief from the Ugly Days where we can’t see straight enough to even tie our shoes.

Blab about it so everyone knows you have a unique Thing you do, that’s beautiful, life-affirming, helpful, and lovely.

Because if you don’t blab about it, it will disappear into the fray, and you will get discouraged and want to give up.

And everyone will miss your unique, beautiful voice.

Know that we love you, and appreciate you.

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Thanks for reading my little rant!
Can you tell I’m passionate about art and its value?

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QUOTE of the DAY

“A great fire burns within me, but no one stops to warm
themselves at it, and passers-by only see a wisp of smoke.”
~ Vincent Van Gogh

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WHAT IF ARTISTS DIDN’T ARTIFY?
© Angela Treat Lyon 2024

Image:
© Angela Treat Lyon 2022
Original pastel, 16×20 – available; prints too – on metal, acrylic, paper or canvas. Just ask.

https://LyonArtandDesign.com
instagram.com/angela.treat.lyon/