When I’m mulling over the pros and cons of a decision I have to make, or if I am to be honest, when I need to get to a place of acceptance and execution of a decision I’ve already made, I tend to pretty quiet and pensive. I’m at one of those places, so much so, that it has me awake at minutes to two in the morning. Then for some reason, I remembered this video, when to Youtube and watched it again. I needed it. I am grateful.
One of the powerful, reminder quotes that resonated with me this time, as it did the first and last time I watched it was this one:
“…The very important point, is to do the work that one respects and to do it well…and to make no compromises in its authenticity..then do it better the next time. The artist role is to bear witness, to contribute to the record, the real record of life as she or he knows it. Perceptions they are one’s own, for all art is political.”
It is such a needed reminder for us Entrepreneurs to see ourselves as Artists and to approach our work accordingly. This is something that Set Godin speaks to also.
He said:
“Art isn’t only a painting. Art is anything that’s creative, passionate, and personal. And great art resonates with the viewer, not only with the creator. What makes someone an artist? I don’t think is has anything to do with a paintbrush. There are painters who follow the numbers, or paint billboards, or work in a small village in China, painting reproductions. These folks, while swell people, aren’t artists. On the other hand, Charlie Chaplin was an artist, beyond a doubt. So is Jonathan Ive, who designed the iPod. You can be an artist who works with oil paints or marble, sure. But there are artists who work with numbers, business models, and customer conversations. Art is about intent and communication, not substances.
An artist is someone who uses bravery, insight, creativity, and boldness to challenge the status quo. And an artist, takes it personally. Art is a personal gift that changes the recipient. The medium doesn’t matter. The intent does.
Ava DuVernay reads Toni Morrison will become a monthly reminder video for me now. Grateful that it exists. Grateful for both of these women!
#TheEntrepreneurisAnArtist
#WeAreAllArtists
#DoWorkThatMatters
#DoWorkThatMatchesYourValues
#DoWorkThatYouRespect
#DoYouUnapologetically
#ThisNowSetAsaMonthlyReminder