So I wanted to hear some Who today. I turned on my youtube, did a
search and started playing video's of songs by The Who. I was really
wanting to here "Baba O' riley" and "Eminence Front". Then I ran across a few videos
of their earlier stuff, which was very much like something by the
Beatles. You could see the influence in the hair style and even the dance
moves of the band how they immolated the times they lived in and esp The
Beatles.
I'm not a Who fan, but I do like some of their tracks. It's those
tracks that I can clearly say “That’s the Who." It can't be anyone
else. I think if they had stayed on those early influences, they would
have been lost in a sea of wanna be rock groups who had the same influence and
we wouldn't have those great tracks we love from them today.
To me this thinking translates over into other forms of art, esp
visual. So Often I see artist that are GREAT at producing art that will
sell. I dare say it, but sometimes it almost seems their art was made to
sell. Now, there is nothing wrong with selling art, or producing art that
will sell. I wish I could, and maybe I could. Some could say I'm jealous
cause I don't sell much work and it could in part be true, but I know it’s not
fully true. Here are two things I think about Influences and selling.
If you’re the Beatles, I do not blame you for being popular and doing what
you do. You make art that the masses love and you can't help but do
that. That’s Great! You’re very lucky. In this aspect I think
your doing what every artist should do and that is your best at what you do.
If you’re influenced to do art that isn't really you, that is made from a perceived
formula of what people want, you could be wasting your time. Now I'm
starting to sound like my old painting instructor who was very blunt, but there
is a silver lining. You must have some skills or talent somewhere that
brought you here, so you’re not out yet. So what do I do? Can I not
paint what I want? Of course. Just like I stated before though,
If your The Who, you will never make those great Who songs, if you don't let go
of those Beatles Influences. You can’t be The Who if you’re trying to be
The Beatles. Translated, You can't be YOU if you’re trying to be
someone else, and we would miss out on the things YOU can produce if you do
that.
Being YOU will not take you where someone else is. YOU will have your
own journey that will have its own perks and benefits that someone else will
never see. Don't obsess over the loss of what could have been. When
I think of my own work, sometimes I can be in the moment and see the vast field
of possibilities to be excited about. None of these possibilities involve
making someone else happy; they only fuel my own interest. I feel lucky
to have such interest. Be happy with what you have, cause trust me,
if it touches your heart and being and soul, it will touch someone else who was
waiting for your art to come to them.
Strike that match and light YOUR candle and shine and sing YOUR song
