Hello fellow artists,

It's bad enough when we censor ourselves and end up with art that is meaningless, but what would it be like to live where our government censored us mercilessly? When artists are free of self-censorship, they have freed themselves of cultural blinders and come to see the world in ways that the average citizen does not. They become notorious for speaking their minds. As a result, art in autocratic countries tends to be censored.

North Korea is an example of a country that keeps a close watch on what its people say verbally, musically and visually, as did China under Mao and in Stalinist Soviet Union. For a taste of what it is like to live in today's North Korea, see Art from North Korea and The Art of Propaganda.

If you find that your views are different from the norm, don't worry about it. Express yourself. Be an artist.

Technorati Tags: North Korea, censorship, self expression

Foggy Trees
Patricia Roshaven
Photo Album

Hello fellow artists,

Are you wondering why an art tutorial would have so much info on social activism? My point of view is that an artist must go deeply into his or herself in order to find that which is original and creative. This deepening is spiritual as well, which leads to a desire to reach out to others.

Reaching out can be achieved through one's art work, if one is moved to be an artist in the traditional sense. However, artistry can be expressed in many ways, thus the emphasis on social artistry -- reaching out in whatever way feels right for you.

My hope is that people want to be in touch with a deeper, nurturing part of themselves and to find the most comfortable and powerful way to express this.

I'd like to see greater sensitivity in our culture in general. I'd like sensitive people to be in powerful positions. Wouldn't you? Be an artist. Be a social artist.

Technorati Tags: sensitivity, social activism, power, art tutorial

Dragonfly
Patricia Roshaven
Photo Album

Hello fellow artists,

Postcards from Katrina is an avenue for publishing your stories and postcards about Katrina, while keeping news of Katrina on the front media burner.

It "is a community arts project that uses the power of the arts to bring awareness that people in the Gulf Region still need help and hope. Also the project invites all people to share their stories via homemade postcards with original art, music, photos and poetry to bring attention to issues of education, race, class, health, and economics in their community if a 'mini-Katrina,' were to come." -- from Postcards from Katrina website, by author Tambra Stevenson.

The community arts movement is alive and well, nurtures others and is wonderful for your spirit. Be an artist.

Technorati Tags: Katrina, New Orleans, hurricane, community arts, social media social artistry

Redwood Hike
Patricia Roshaven

Hello fellow artists,

Finding the 100th Monkey Studio makes me wish I live in Portland.

From their website: "The 100th Monkey Studio is a community space that encourages creativity in all people.

The 100th Monkey Studio is unique in it’s supportive environment filled with opportunities for any person of any age and any background. Welcome to a place where creativity is contagious and art materials are provided, some free of charge."

Owners Beth Ann Short and Joy Leising are artists, business women and community developers. As Beth and Joy show us, there is much we can do in this world to bring joy and creativity to others. Check it out. Be an artist.

Technorati Tags: creativity, community development

Autumn Walk
Patricia Roshaven
Photo Album

Technorati Tags: Found Art!, Bookcrossing, creativity, world community

Technorati Tags: compassion, art tutorial, community, children and art