Dave Eggers Rant
This is awesome. If anything I emplore you to read question/answer #3 and then continue reading his rant in the addendum... it's long, but worth every single word. (Some of you may have already read this since it's a couple years old, but I hadn't yet and I think it's excellent.)I completely feel this way about so many things. Not giving a shit about what people think, being yourself - whether that's crazy and silly, or quiet and reserved. And I'm always trying to see the best in what everbody is doing... most all artists I try to tilt my head and see their passion in what they're doing... it might not be something I like, or I may even truly dislike it - and yes, I too have scoffed at times... but one thing's for sure is that I *always* give a person credit for just gettin out there and DOING something. That's a helluva lot more than a TON of other people can say!!
It not only takes talent and creativity - but a lot of the time it takes guts to go out there & do what you want! It takes a lot to write a screenplay, and then have others see your vision to actually make it into something (Bravo Aaron!) - or to write a book (and finish it!) and send it off to publishers. Or to schedule a photoshoot and successfully direct the subjects with your artistic eye - or to draw or animate or sew or sing or start a band or anything!!!
I mean, I know we all have our hierarchies - and of course we're entitled to our lofty opinions about this, that & the other... but for god sake people - START GIVING OTHERS THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT!!! Stop being so f*ing critical of yourself and your peers and so many that are giving it their all to DO something with their lives. It's hard enough as it is!
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Ya, so Dave Eggers' rant is awesome. So is Jonas' rant in Kat's blog comments... which is where I got the link. Wow, Jonas - that makes me wanna go check out art with you!! :)
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Also, as a side note here... No... unfortunately I am not made of steel and I do still care what people think. Probably way more than others in silly little ways - and in some ways it limits me. I limit myself!! All too often I feel like I get in my own damn way of allowing myself to do the creative things I want to do.
So sure, I still have my very own blocks to work out... which is precisely why I am never shy to give props to others out there doing something. I support them and give praise to their creativity and progress!! I have far to go in this area... but I'm working on it :) One step at a time.
