f r o m t h e e d i t o r
Interdisciplinary Artists
“ I was once told by one of my respected mentors that , in order to be successful , one day I would have to choose : to choose between being an artist , and educator , and a scientist . I ’ m glad I thought that idea was nonsense . In today ’ s world of complexities , it is this creative , interdisciplinary experience that we need more of : people who are able to shift between fields , help communicate ideas between sectors , and to look at problem-solving from diverse angles .” This quote by Tara DePorte , founder of The Human Impacts Institute as well as an artist , educator , and environmentalist rings true for so many women in the arts and our concept of success .
The artists featured in Women in Art 278 Magazine often write about their primary careers in their artist statements - they are artists but also hold other positions . They are educators , financial managers , teachers , corporate executives , doctors , business owners and so on . Our capabilities and our self-worth aren ’ t defined by one aspect over the other . In fact , I believe our value increases exponentially when we apply our creative genius to complex problems . Many artists tend to be out-of-the-box thinkers . We daringly dance on the divide between societal acceptance and seeking our inner truth .
Our creativity soars as we cope with challenges ( social , environmental , familial , etc ). It ’ s during these pivotal moments that beautiful art becomes a reality . Art becomes our outlet . We put our intentions and focus on positive creativity . One of our jobs in life might require us to be more pragmatic and structured . But a creative mind simply can ’ t remain silenced . The art we create often comes from a different area of our being - perhaps another region from our brain , fostered by love from our soul ... I can just visualize our neurons firing off new connections as we use our minds to solve problems and see the answer to life ’ s riddles that others simply don ’ t understand .
There is a magnificent benefit to creating art and thriving in a limitless environment . It ’ s living in freedom . We aren ’ t stifled by constraints . The inspiration for art can arise from anywhere - and at anytime !
Having hobbies that blossom into careers , having dreams that foster a passion for creating arts ... it ’ s these things that , when combined with the needs of our lives , creates a mind that ’ s capable of seeing more than what is simply in front of us . Tara is absolutely right . The more we are able to shift fields and apply knowledge and inspiration from other areas , we will be able to solve complex problems . And , perhaps through art , we can help others see the world differently .
As always , keep creating . Keep inspiring those around you .
LMarelli
Liesl Marelli Editor-in-Chief p a g e 7
ART women