Artist Manifesto

(editor's note: you may be wondering at the sudden increase in number of entries lately; it's not that I have more time; those of you know me well know that this is a bad sign. sigh. it's amazing what you find when you clean out your office

I can't take credit for this manifest. This was written by the former art teacher at FVCHS, where I used to work, and TA'ed in his class.

Go fly a kite...better yet... go make one, then fly it.
Take many creative risks.
Watch God paint amazing masterpieces all around you everyday.
Clap and cheer for sunsets.
Find an artwork or piece of music that moves you to tears...
Better yet... contemplate that piece of art, while listening to that great music at the same time and really bawl your eyes out.
Embrace your fears. Now, lay them down.
Don't be afraid to stink. I never asked him if he meant that literally, or figuratively
Get up and try again... and again.
Witness a caterpillar morphing into a butterfly.
Do purposeful acts of kindness.
Dance before God with the abandon of King David.
Go climb a tree...no... a really big tree.
Draw with crayons.
Draw with your feet.
Practice forgiveness... with yourself as well as others.
Go on nature walks with God as often as you can... listen.
If you can walk... why not skip and dance?
If you can talk... why not sing and shout?
Practise being thankful... daily.
Giggle and laugh often.
Make others giggle and laugh often.
Don't take yourself too seriously... but... take your learning and skill development very seriously.
Sleep under the stars.
Play like children. Emulate their sense of wonder.
Be patient with "uptight adults" and "church folk".
Love someone unconditionally.
Find others to celebrate your achievements with.
Know that you are a child of the Master Creator... that you are powerful and great beyond measure... that you are resplendent as you reflect Him.
Glorify God by enjoying Him forever.