Opening presents is fun (especially when it’s not Christmas or your birthday and you’re only 10 years old) and it’s a lot like making art.
In June 2012, I backed Seth Godin’s Kickstarter project “Why Make Art,” so that I could be among the first to receive his book The Icarus Deception. Godin made good on his promise and over-delivered to his investors. Not only did I receive my present earlier than promised, but it was ginormous! James was in awe of the box, so I asked him to open up my present for me. I wanted to see the delight on his face.
I received the behemoth edition – a collection of blog posts during the past 6 years accompanied by stunning graphics – plus a hardcover copy of The Icarus Deception. According to Godin, The Icarus Deception is an experiment in publishing, an opportunity for real growth, an invitation to challenge our friends, and last, but not least, something we can touch. The book’s premise is about the mythology of success (and fear of failure) and how our economy rewards folks who are willing to stand up and stand out. Godin believes we’ve been lulled into believing we should do less. He challenges us that now is the time to redefine what we’re capable of.
I agree.
Godin happens to be someone I respect as an author, entrepreneur, thought leader, and change agent. I think I “get him” most of the time. I’ve been following him since reading the Ideavirus manifesto in 2000. I own almost all of his books, regularly read his blog posts and manifestos, and have listened or watched many of his rants and raves almost all of which you can find here on his lens at Squidoo. What’s really important right now is that Godin is intent on changing the nature of book publishing and opening up a path for more great books by more passionate authors to get into the hands of readers everywhere. He successfully demonstrated to his publisher, the bookstore retailers, and anyone with a book worth writing that it’s possible to start a project with a show of support on a funding platform for creative projects like Kickstarter.
Godin wants us to tap our inner artist and go out into the world to make or do something that matters. The old rules of our industrial economy don’t apply anymore, and that’s scary to many of us. There’s a revolution going on, and it’s not about watching more online videos like Gangnam Style. It’s about trusting yourself and making a commitment. So what if the only subscribers to your blog are you, your mom and your grandmother? Art is not a thing of beauty, but a journey in vulnerability for us to experience. We owe it to ourselves and the world to share our art.
Here are a few of my favorite artists that I think are worthy of your time to check out:
One meeting with Ann will change your life because she is the heart and sole of wellness.
Gwen has the confidence to share her beautiful voice and lend her talents to running the small ensemble of Concentus Women’s Chorus
Not many people have the persistence and patience that my Dad does to share his unique and beautiful art with the world.
Karen quietly shows up everyday to do great work on behalf of the Al Sigl Community of Agencies and was recognized by her peers in 2012 as the Robert A. Clinger Outstanding Professional Fundraiser.
Ben is talented, funny, and makes these short documentaries about interesting people, places and things at Local Local TV.
Need a goal for 2013? Start now to make your art (or at least go make better art than last year). Happy New Year!
