art and activism
Do you consider yourself an artist first, activist second, or vice versa?
When I sit down to write, I consider myself an artist. I'm consumed by craft -- choosing the word with the right mouth feel, reading sentences aloud to sublimate the rhythm, making flow charts of plot, working backward to plant the seeds for a perfectly revealed ending. When I attend a PTA meeting with a plan to reduce the school's carbon footprint, then I'm an activist. It's different work, with more direct expectations and a simpler vocabulary.
That's interesting.
ReplyDeleteIs it necessary to pick between the two? The question starts with a false dichotomy. Isn't it possible to create art with a spirit of activism, and to create activism with a spirit of craft?
I guess that doesn't even need to be a question, because I know it's possible. It's not "art" or "activism," it's simply the quality and intention that we bring to any and all actions that we undertake.
thought provoking though, so thank you.