Thoughts About Art

     On the very first day of the only drawing class I took in high school, the teacher introduced herself by saying "There is good art, and there is bad art. My job is to teach you how to tell the difference". And I can't help but think back to her smug, arrogant approach to art every time the chip on my shoulder starts to act up.

     The fact that she knew, she just knew what made art good, or what made art bad, or what constituted art at all is the kind of shit that turned me off from the subject in the first place. To introduce herself from the top of her pretentious pedestal, and to brag so boldly that she is the all knowing authority of something as subjective as art, is beyond me. Who is she to say what is or is not art?

      Art- the thing that has escaped a definitive definition throughout it's existence. The thing that means something completely different to every single person on the entire planet. The thing that could potentially be done by anyone, anywhere, by using anything.

      As a general rule of thumb, I would consider just about anything art. If something is art to anyone, even if the creator disagrees, then it's art. If you can take something from it, then it's art. Even if you argue that you can't take anything away from whatever it is, I'd argue that you can "take away" the fact that you can't take away anything from it...making it art. I'm not talking about the perception of the viewer, or the vision of the artist, or any of the other bullshit concepts taught in drawing 101, either.

     All I'm saying is I was genuinely and instantly offended by how this teacher felt she should introduce herself. To assume superiority over a class of sixteen year old's on a cultural subject so broad just blew me away. It's so accessible that anyone can find their own way to participate; to take part in some small way. But it's also frustratingly inaccessible because everyone's personal view of what art is, or could be, or should be- varies dramatically. What you think of, or feel when you experience art (in the broadest possible sense) is personal, and absolutely unique to you. If you like what you are experiencing- good. If you don't- good; you don't always get exactly what you want anyways, just be glad you were there in the first place.

     The point is, you are free to like what you like, and dislike what you don't. Or to feel confused, or unsure; or any of the other infinite ways that art (in all of it's infinite forms) can make you feel. And for someone to assume so certainly, that they know better, is pretentious. To take something as universal yet intimate as art, and divide everything it encompasses into just two categories is...Well it's a dick move. To say that no matter how intensely something means to you; a song, a painting, a movie, a quote, a personality, a place, a memory- that it can be placed in just one of two of her categories; good or bad, is infuriating.

Like what you like, or don't. Or don't do anything at all. Every single thing you experience in life is up to you to interpret, not your fucking know-it-all (f)art teacher from high school.

Kyle: Spontaneous Idealist

     So I was thinking to myself, "Kyle, how are you going to properly introduce yourself for this week's challenge?" and then I was all "Bam! Here's how I'm gonna do it! I'm going to get way too personal and take an online personality test and slap the results on an entry for ya'll to study." So yeah, that's how this all came to be.

     41q.com is the site I used to get my inner understanding on. It's super simple and easy; just go through the 41 questions and choose the answer that you identify with most. Then, they work their magic and tell you things about yourself that you'd hope you'd know by now.

     As you can see, I'm pretty one-sided on some of the traits. I'm all about the intuitive, feeling, and perceiving categories. I just like that I'm about as far away as you can get from being considered a thinking man.

     The test was pain free and the results were fun to look at; but who knows how precise this sort of stuff even is. The results could be just broad enough that anyone could take a look at em and see a piece of themselves in them. But even still, I liked what I saw. I like being a "Spontaneous Idealist"; it makes it sound more like an achievement than a diagnosis. I like feeling more than thinking anyways. To me, it's like choosing to focus on "what could be", as opposed to "what isn't".

     Take a look at what else 41q.com had to say about me. Here it is, straight from the web horses mouth:

 Your personality type: "Spontaneous Idealist"

Enthusiastic, idealistic and creative. Able to do almost anything that interests them. Great people skills. Need to live life in accordance with their inner values. Excited by new ideas, but bored with details. Open-minded and flexible, with a broad range of interests and abilities.

Careers that could fit you include:

Actors, journalists, writers, musicians, painters, consultants, psychologists, psychiatrists, entrepreneurs, teachers, counselors, politicians, diplomats, television reporters, marketers, scientists, sales representatives, artists, clergy, public relations, social scientists, social workers.

     Just incase you didn't get your fill of Kyle for this week, here's a video I made where I talk about myself. It was really awkward to film, but I filmed it anyways (#professionalism).

Constantly Create: Introductions and Explanations

Imma' do what I do, but I'll do it for you.

     Hello, I'm Kyle, and by now you may know me. I'm a life enthusiast from Denver, Colorado, and a maker of anything and everything from children's books about radical robots, to stop-motion YouTube videos about edible Rubik's Cubes. I enjoy making "things", I enjoy making just about anything really. Hell, I can't go without doodling on my (veggie) cheeseburger with the spout of the ketchup bottle when I get the chance. The point is this; I really enjoy making things, and I really enjoy making them for you.
     That being said; I am very excited to announce a new project I am starting that is all about creating content for you guys. As you probably could have guessed from the entry's title, the project is called Constantly Create; and I have a feeling (that like my other projects) I'm going to be completely consumed by this one. Here's what you need to know to be apart of it:

What is it?:
     Obvious question, but I suppose a necessary one too. Constantly Create is a project that will focus on one topic/theme/or challenge each week and span a number of different mediums and social media platforms as I share what I make with you. Each week, I will do my best to create at least three things to share with you. Whether its an illustration, a video, a blog post (or even a haiku for all I know), that is somehow related or influenced by the week's topic/theme/or challenge.

Why? Just...Why?
     Good question, I haven't spent much time thinking about an answer, so I don't really know. I do know that I enjoy creating content, and I'd like to motivate myself to do more of it, so a project that does just that seems grand. Also, all I have is time on my hands.

Soooo, What's the plan again?
     I am challenging myself to make more stuff, and I am asking for your help to do that. I want this project to be community driven; meaning you guys help decide what content I create and post. I you want to suggest different mediums for me to try; like photography, comic art, spoken word, even interpretative dancing, I'd be happy to hear from you. You will be able to suggest future topics/themes/and challenges and will be updated with links to view all of the content produced for the project all on my Facebook page.

How're you gonna do it?
     Another great question. So I've decided that I will aim to produce at least three different pieces of content that relate back to the the week's theme. Throughout the week (I'm thinking Monday, Wednesday and Friday) I'll share the things I make with you on whatever social media site is most appropriate for that medium.
     For example, if the theme for the week was skateboarding and I wanted to write a blog post about my love for all things skating; I'd post my entry here, on my blog (cause it just makes sense). But if I was going to post an illustration; I'd post it on my Instagram. And the same can be said about videos being posted to my YouTube account.
   
Wow, you're so cool Kyle. How do I get in on the action?
     Thank you for the kind words and enthusiasm. If you're at all interested in this project, or would like to participate by suggesting future topics and challenges, or maybe even winning something like one of the illustrations, then I would really reeeeeeeeally appreciate it if you would "like" this lonely lil Facebook page of mine. "Liking" it is how you'll get updates about the project, and info about how to view said illustration/video/post/ etc. I promise to do my very best to not post garbage content if you do.

Anything else we should know?
     Hmmmm, I can't think of anything right now, but I'll update you through the Facebook page if I do. Here's a rundown of what I'm talkin bout Willis.

• One main topic or theme for each week
• Three pieces of content that deal with the topic for that week
• If you like what I do, I'd appreciate it if you would say "hello" over on my page or share this project with a friend

     Oh I thought of something! So this post isn't actually part of the project, it's just an introduction and explanation, but this week's theme is just that; "Introductions and explanations". So throughout this week, I will update my page with videos/illustrations/and blog entries that help me introduce myself to you. It's like a way for me to break the ice and let ya'll know way too much about me. So hope you're all excited, cause I'm gonna do this thing either way. Thanks again!

I'm Never Bored- Rubik's Cube

   
     This one just speaks for itself...

A Justification for Action and Inaction

     I'm moving out soon. I've been planning my move for the better part of four years now, but I'm serious about this; I'm moving.
     I think I'll go west, I like the idea of it. Seems adventurous ya know? Like I'm doing that chase the sunset song and dance. Maybe Seattle, maybe Portland, maybe even California. I haven't decided on a destination yet, but that's not the point. The point is that I have made the decision to move.
     When I tell people about my plan (or lack there of), I am usually greeted with a puzzled look. They ask things like; "You're just going to go? West?" and " What about money? You need money, ya know?"...And to be fair, these are all valid points that should be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not to pack up and start anew halfway across the country. Factors such as money and housing arrangements are no joke, and should be taken seriously...But not too seriously, I'd argue.
     See, I have been thinking about the logistical aspect of such a decision for a while now. I've spent quite a bit of time stressing over the things that I should be stressing over. Things like not having enough money to afford to eat stale Top Roman, and not being able to find a suitable job, and my car breaking down halfway through Utah and me having to start my new life in the disappointment that is, Utah- These are all sincere thoughts that have entered my mind within the past few months. These sort of scenarios are scary, but they're practical. Fear of making the wrong choice (or not making the absolute best one), is a great way to ensure that you make a wise decision. But when the fear of making a bad decision becomes so great that you become afraid of making any sort of decision, you've let fear make your choice for you.
     ...And that's the kind of fruitless mental state that I've been in for the past couple years now. I've wanted nothing more than to move away for so long now, but my fear of messing up; of making a decision that hindsight might regret, has left me paralyzed. I've been so afraid of making a poor choice, that I forgot to even choose. I let indecision be my decision, and inaction be my action. But not anymore.
   
The way I see it; I've been working to afford stability since I was fifteen years old. And since then, I've been broke. I've never had money, but for the most part, I've been happy; and I think I'm OK with that lifestyle. And if there's any evidence that my decision to pack up and head west is a good decision, it's that.

Headed west.

Staying Positive

     I like to think of myself as someone who sees the best of whatever situation I may find myself in. Shouting something like "Challenge accepted!" in response to life's little obstacles, and squinting my eyes to focus solely on the silver lining of the shit-show before me are how I aim to cope with a messy situation. I'm proud to wear the label "optimist" and I hope to greet life's challenges with a cunning grin. But sometimes attitude and good vibes can only go so far. Sometimes the situation isn't quite what you've expected, and your optimism has left you ill-prepared. 

     For these cases...when life happens, and the tricks you safely tucked away in your sleeve have failed you, and the complexity of the situation has wiped that once sly smirk clean off your face, you need something to escape to, something to take your mind of the stress and negativity of whatever you're dealing with, even if the relief is only momentary. 

     Activities that allow you to escape the exhausting stress of a situation doesn't help you run away from your problems. Rather, I'd argue that they serve as a more effective means of conquering that very same problem. An escape is a way to face your challenges in a gradual way. Diving headfirst into the deep end of a stressful situation is almost certainly a terrible idea. These sort of problems are never a quick fix, so a generous leap into the thick of it will only give you a headache. If you let the stress swallow you before you get a chance to clean up the mess, it's over.  But if you have an escape; some sort of activity, or hobby that will help relieve you of some of the stress that life's situations may stack onto your conscious, you'll find that facing your fears and problems are less exhausting and more manageable then tackling your challenges without the help of such an activity.

     I have several escapes, and I owe just about everything (including my sanity) to them. For me, things like skateboarding, and drawing, and simply producing creative content (whether it be making videos or writing this very blog post) all serve as a lifeline of calmness and familiarity to hold onto when everything else around me seems to be going to Hell. 

     I deal with what's on my mind by facing them head on while on my board, or while I draw. I believe it helps ground my perspective to think about what's bothering me while being involved in some sort of positive activity. It's sort of therapeutic really. Involve yourself with an activity you enjoy, then you will be free to ration your attention how you wish between the activity you are escaping with, and the situation you are gradually easing into. Doing this keeps your mind busy. Not too busy mind you, but just busy enough not to be overwhelmed with stress. Letting your mind entertain these problems while participating in an activity is a great way to ease yourself into finding a solution to your problem without overwhelming you with the entirety and complexity of it. Trying to deal with a stressful situation with no friends to talk to, and no escapes to turn to would be useless. I'd be overwhelmed by the complexity and would be too stunned to even begin actually dealing with my problem.

     But with activities that allow me to escape on the other hand, entertaining my brain with thoughts about both the problem at hand, and the activity I am doing is stimulating. I'm able to problem solve and make progress with my situation when I'm thinking clear, and able to focus on my escape when things start to get too stressful. Alternating, and combining the two subjects keeps my perspective fresh, which will lead to breakthroughs that I would otherwise have missed with a stressed out state of mind. 

     It's all about keeping your conscious alert and clear. The less stress you have cluttering your mind, the better you will be able to think clearly, and form connections to solutions. Staying positive, and not letting stressful and draining situations get the best of you are hard to do, but I believe that the willingness to sport optimism, even when the situation seems unbearable, and arming yourself with a surplus of positive, mentally engaging activities, will go far in the fight to accept any challenge with the cunning grin you wear so well.

Stay positive