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