Inspirational dove of art / 2016
I have always held a repulsion towards motivational speeches, while also being deeply scared by the people who promoted inspirational quotes. Steps and ways to happiness brought me chills. "20 steps to be a better husband, a better lover and a far better cook". "5 ways in which you can look fit even if you have eaten three sumo fighters for breakfast". This clearly came as an organic rejection. In this situation / work I chose to be the promotor of my dislikes.
John Dewey's "Philosophy talk" show one time had the theme "Life as a work of art". This was both a painful, yet partially interesting experience. "How we choose what we do, and how we approach it… will determine whether the sum of our days adds up to a formless blur, or to something resembling a work of art." found its way from Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's hands to my eyes.
Dr. Thomas Bechtler's quote "A work of art is always a condensation of complex reality. So art can be a means through which one learns to perceive an intricate solution through a simplified image.” made most sense to me.
Marc Chagall's quote, on the other hand, made me want to eat 6 kilos of lemons: "In our life there is a single colour, as on an artist’s palette, which provides the meaning of life and art. It is the colour of love."
Started out as a joke - having desired to offer an inspirational gift to friends - the project ended up becoming a work of art. I press-printed my works in Graz (AT), with support from a professional.
press printed; edition of 3;
I saved the best for last. Not even the whole production of lemons available in the world could help you out after having read this: Ms. Jeane George Weigel's "20 Ways to Make Your Life a Work of Art". Ms. Weigel would most likely describe herself an artist / theoretician. For sure she is a blogger.
20 Ways to Make Your Life a Work of Art.
1. Find an empathetic companion in your self.
2. Let go of what’s unnecessary.
3. Stand still under a dark night sky.
4. Find what you enjoy and DO it.
5. Be true to what is essential in yourself.
6. Be generous and tolerant.
7. Believe in your path.
8. Allow vulnerability.
9. Relish the sun and the rain.
10. Sit in solitude and imagine.
11. Consciously choose what/who you invite into your life.
12. Be empathetic.
13. Go barefoot.
14. Explore. Be willing to get lost.
15. Drink good coffee.
16. Observe, contemplate and produce (Eric From quoting to students—I can’t say it better).
17. Be receptive to change.
18. Be courageous.
19. Embrace the day.
20. Add your own thoughts to this list…