I once had a teacher in college that recommended that we write an artist’s manifesto.  It is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had and continues to inform my life and my work.  I recommend that you make one.  If you do, please share it with me.  I would love to read it.   Here’s mine:

I am for art that reflects back the war in the human heart so that it can heal.
I am for art that ignites the imagination.
I am for art that exposes and challenges hypocrisy.
I am for art that unapologetically tells the truth, inspires others to do the same and encourages people to participate.
I am for art that is accessible to everyone and is co-created by the communities where it lives.
I am for art that tells a new story for humanity: A story of unity, empowerment, freedom and tolerance.
I am for art that inspires a call to action.

“Conformity and obedience,
Bane of all genius, virtue, freedom, truth,
Makes slaves of men and of the human frame,
A mechanized automaton.” ~Percy Bysshe Shelley