Initiation

Artists create opportunity. They prepare the way, see the larger purpose, and take action. Ideas about where to begin come from an openness to the world around them—their own imaginations, nature, stories, everyday life experiences and events.

Finding Balance

Balance is central to artistic expression. Artists—painters, sculptors, designers, composers, photographers, writers, directors, choreographers, film makers, dancers, performers, conductors—use balance to create a compositional impact on the overall feeling of a completed work of art.

Breathe!

As a woodwind performer, I learned the importance of the breath and proper breathing from an early age. It may sound funny because breathing is something that happens automatically, but it was an important part of my training and performance. It became natural for me to focus on a certain way of breathing.

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New Year – New Art

People make New Year’s resolutions because it feels like it’s a chance to begin again. New Year’s resolutions are essentially a creative process.

Stark Beauty of Structure

As I walked to work last week, the stark beauty of the bare shapes of leafless trees and shrubs stood out clearly against the city landscape. My attention and appreciation were drawn to the branches, bark, and trunks.

Arts Bring Life to the Holidays

The arts—sound, color, dancing, and drama—are everywhere in December. In fact, their presence gives life to the holidays.

Making Magic!

It’s that time of year. Last week, I attended a performance of The Nutcracker in a beautiful setting—the Boston Opera House. In fact, holiday season inspired performances of The Nutcracker are taking place all across the country this entire month.

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Lose Yourself

Great artists develop a remarkable ability to “lose” themselves when creating or performing their art.

Silence and Space

As we began the walk through the well-manicured pathways, the first thing that came to mind was the skillfulness that was required to create such a masterpiece.

Creating Yourself

Artists create art to express something meaningful. Artistic expression helps them understand a deep knowing within. At the same time, they engage others with the significance of that knowledge.