Moving forward is so important, but appreciation often comes by the perspective of our past.

I find it amazing to see how artists are integrating technology into their workflows.  How they are translating what was once done with ink on paper to a stylus on a tablet.  It's interesting to see how artists are reacting and/or responding to this phenomenon.   Some artists push back on this feeling the technology is watering down the value and quality of what artists truly are.  We see this in the music world too.  Then other artists are fully embracing the technology and pushing it to it's limits, unafraid (and often unaware) of this counter, more "purist" perspective.  

Coming from a more analog world of art where we got messy with paint, felt splinters from wood, and could smell the chemicals of a darkroom, I can't help but see this dilemma and difference in feeling.  And I think that's what it is, how it makes us FEEL about our purpose, self worth, life's work, and technical ability. Is one really better or worse?  Has it really changed what art is all about and how artists interpret their world?  Has art ever been void of technology even?  

I feel it's fair to say that at some point in time, even a simple paint brush was a piece of innovative technology.  I wonder if there were creators during that time that felt it was "cheating" because that new generation wasn't using only a stick.  It's kind of funny to think about it, but I think it is just a phenomenon of mankind to associate worth with what we know, since, of course, it helps us feel our own worth.  

What if, however, we saw worth not as a this or that, but as a this and that.  My friend and gallery partner, Jim Hamel, reminded me of this one day in a conversation we were having about a decision I had to make.  And, I can't help but think about this statement over and over.  

Not this or that, but this and that.  

My first reaction to this idea was, "Well, we can't have it all" and "Who am I to think I should be entitled to have both.", but after thinking more about it, I don't think that's what Jim meant or the lesson at all.  Instead, why can't we simply say that we don't have to be able to do it all for it to be great.  Just because we can't do something or do something differently doesn't make what our peers, neighbors, and fellow humans are doing less extraordinary.  

I have this sticky note on my computer that says: "You Belong Here.  People are Extraordinary.  You are a People."

I'm sure when people walk past that note, they probably think this is one my self-motivating affirmations to remind myself of my own worth, but honestly, when I wrote that, I was thinking about my philosophy on portraiture.  It wasn't about me, but about all the people I am honored to photograph.  Every person deserves the respect of equality because of their differences.  Every person and their passions and dreams deserves celebration.  It doesn't matter what they do for a living, their opinions, their beliefs, the kind of clothes they wear...

Why do we feel the need to judge one another?  How does that make what we do more valuable or less valuable?  

I can safely say after thinking about this for a long time that it doesn't.  We are all walking this same dendritic path finding our own interests and obstacles along the way, but like an intricate river system, we are all contributing to the larger body of water.

Just like Jim and I emphasized in our last collection of art, Perspectives Series: Ireland, and will in future "Perspectives Series" collections, we all see and experience this world differently.  It's amazing what we can do and learn when we take interest and celebrate what others are doing.  This is especially true when it is different than what we are doing.  There is much to gain when we approach with a clear and open mind instead of trying to question and compare it to what we are doing.  

This random assembly of thoughts is just another validation of what value art brings into our lives.  We should pay attention and appreciate art even when it isn't aligned with our tastes just like we should appreciate people and listen to them even when they aren't aligned with what we know and do.  

This AND That all truly are important in their own right.

Thanks for the reminder Jim!