JMJ

I am drawn by the idea that artists are not restricted by normal constraints. Artists can stretch borders, warp space, introduce new ideas, expand on old ideas, inspire. Artists can tread off the beaten track and find news forms of thought. This lack of constraint can help artists accomplish nearly any goal. However, by opening the door to so many possibilities, the artist may become paralyzed by choices, in the same way that a child can become paralyzed by all the potential delicious flavors when they walk into an ice cream parlor. While all of the choices may be good, it can be hard to trust yourself to make the best choice. However, I think this fear that you won’t choose the best choice can cause you to waste time in finding your mission. After all when you walk into an ice cream parlor, the goal is to enjoy some good ice cream, not to agonize over choices. Similarly, when we dive into artwork, the goal should be to enjoy the process, not agonize over what our mission will be.

I recently went to hear Heather “Anish” Anderson give a talk at Wright State. This renowned hiker gave us her testimony of her experiences in completing the Triple Crown three times and how she broke the record for the fastest time. She basically hiked across the entire country from Mexico to Canada in the mountains three times, facing the brute force of nature, encountering bears and mountain lions, and ultimately found, herself. What was more striking was her deep love for the mountains, despite all the sacrifices she had to make to be there and all of the fears that she had. Reflecting on her testimony, I feel like it can relate well to an artist’s mission. She (quite literally) traveled off of the beaten track just as artists are called to travel off of the beaten track, face fears, and take the time to see the world around us.

When she first set out to beat the record for the fastest time doing the Triple Crown. She was filled with fear that she couldn’t do it. She had the notion, that by doing this she could prove herself. Starting off she kept a record of how far she would have to travel each day to get there. However, part way through she decided to throw away this paper of strictly laid out goals, and just push herself to go as hard as she could everyday, until she dropped. Doing so, she not only beat the women’s record but also the men’s record for the fastest time. This can relate to an artist’s mission. It doesn’t have to be a regimently laid out guideline to complete a mission. Rather, an artist’s mission can be to find oneself, and to push one’s self as far as you can. It doesn’t have to be done to prove yourself or your worth.

Perhaps this is the artist’s mission: to be willing to let go of what’s comfortable, challenge yourself and your motivations, and drink in the view of the beautiful world around us.