My Generation

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