al·che·my/ˈalkəmē/

Noun:

The medieval forerunner of chemistry, based on the supposed transformation of matter, esp. that of base metals into gold. A process by which paradoxical results are achieved or incompatible elements combined with no obvious rational explanation.

Great art just happens.  That's right.  It just happens.  

One doesn't hem and haw about what others will think of the work. 

The artist aligns with the materials.  They become allies.

An alchemy occurs, which is inexplicable to the rational mind.

There is a tremendous amount of risk.  There is a precipice.

Sometimes when I'm in the process of figuring out how to construct one of my pieces, another part of my mind takes over and it feels as if the work is creating itself. 

I often like to think about Bach.  He didn't sign his compositions.  He was in a state of humble servitude to music.  I believe that this is why great design, art, music, drama just happen.  It exists eternally and some artists allow themselves to be open to it and create the conditions for it to come into the world.  Through the process of defining and shaping our will to the material world, we become doors that open to an heretofore un-imagined landscape that was just waiting to be discovered.

I earnestly believe that broadening the imagination creates emotional intelligence and brings us closer together and farther away from things like war. A strong ability to imagine leads to greater empathy.  It is a worthy endeavor, being an artist, though it is mostly only viewed from the vantage of commerce or consumption. 

I'm going to look at it from a totally unique perspective: my own.  

Follow me there if you like.

Best Wishes,

Memphis