-
Notes: 1 / 1 day ago
An Open Letter to the Artists
We are not all artists the same. Process and purpose varies. Success and how we define it can look so different from person to person. Gifts and talents make each of us so indelibly unique that competition is pointless but we get lost in it anyway…
We are not all artists the same and yet… I cannot help but feel drawn to other artists. I cannot help but feel connected to others who consider themselves craftsmen, who devote their lives to creation. And I think that we all find ourselves drawn to those who seem to have direct access to that “God Thing.” That thing makes us want to believe again. That thing encourages us on one more day.
Great men have the ability to make us feel as though we can be great also.
In my final year at University, I was the recipient of a scholarship given by the Princess Grace Foundation. It enabled me to complete my education that year without financial hardship. The Princess Grace Foundation has put me in touch with a community of artists and supporters of the Arts the likes of which I wish for any and every single person in the struggle. It continues to be a great inspiration to me to know that there are people out there who believe in my path and want me to make work that comes from the depth of my heart.
I have real love for the artist. I have respect for your dreams. I want you to win. I want you to persevere. I want you to to take heart when the realities of the business break you down because, brethren, the realities of the business will break you down.
I remember first starting out, feeling ignored and disrespected so often. The first challenge was just getting noticed. Getting seen was the first hurdle and I have to tell you… it lasts awhile. I think the beginnings are the same in whatever artistic discipline we’re in. You’re a new face. You’re a new talent. You’re a new voice. No one has any idea what you bring to the table. You must accept this stage and commit yourself to delivering the goods every single time you get an opportunity.
It is true that when you begin the stakes are through the roof when you’re first starting out. Every meeting, every audition, every interview is vital and crucial to getting you to where want to be. Even the ones where you are ignored or “disrespected” prepare you in a way. They toughen your skin. You’ll need that. Make excellence habitual.
Make sanity a priority. Surround yourself with people who do the same. Stay inspired! Refill the well. Be a fan of artists whom you love! Remain a student always!
One of the things I know for sure is: the issues in your life affect your work and the issues found in your work are showing up somewhere else in your life. This is a spiritual walk as well. Ask the questions. Go in search of the answers. It is my belief that we all have access to God and so in turn we all have access to the “God Thing.”
After you’ve done all the study and prep possible there is still a great deal that you have
absolutely no control of in the business. A relationship with God will help you to deal with that difficult truth. I say it in love. I say it because the business has made mincemeat of more gifted and talented people than I…It’s no joke, beloved. But you can do it. Prepare yourself. Dedicate yourself to it. Love it.
Have the courage to dream a new dream if IT doesn’t turn out the way you want it to.
IT almost never does by the way…
We need you. We need your voice. We need your truth. I look forward to meeting you someday soon out here. We will swap stories of survival and triumph. We’ll tell of heartache and disappointment. But oh how much better we’ll be for it all.
Respectfully yours,
Leslie Odom Jr. -
2 weeks ago"Find heroes of the Positive: befriend them, help them, learn from them. These are the people who are positive in spite of their situation. They Bloom in the pot God gave them to grow in."- Sidney Poitier
-
2 weeks ago
In case you missed “I should have held a party for all the thoughts I didn’t say,” here is the trailer for it! Film is coming soon!!!!!!
Vodka.
Hight Heels.
Russians.
Yes.
-
2 weeks ago
Drag ball= success (Taken with Instagram at E407)
-
2 weeks ago
Gold medalist! (everyone gets a medal( (Taken with instagram)
-
2 weeks ago
Theatre is so transient. I’m gonna miss this ensemble. #ivanov #art #theatre #ontothenextone (Taken with instagram)
-
Notes: 7182 / 3 weeks ago from brandenja (originally from pushthemovement)
(Source: pushthemovement)
-
1 month ago"
”People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that’s what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life. A true soul mate is probably the most important person you’ll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah. Too painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then leave. A soul mates purpose is to shake you up, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light can get in, make you so desperate and out of control that you have to transform your life, then introduce you to your spiritual master.”
— Elizabeth Gilbert
" -
1 month agoAnd another Wonderful Samsara Review that mentions me! :)
-
1 month agoWonderful Samsara Review!!!
same as you?
Following
