I Am Who I Am

You know, many artists, writers, and creative friends I have share their work via their websites or social media or both as I do.

Most effectively separate their personal beliefs and perspectives from the creative work they share. I understand this, completely.

I personally cannot.

I believe that who I am is a combination of everything including my creativity, my beliefs, my voice, my perspectives, my thoughts and that as an artist and writer, all of those things I mention cannot be separated without me denying who I am.

I have always been opinionated and maybe even considered bull headed by some, so to bite my tongue is to deny my own self. Especially today, with the political landscape we live in, I refuse to be quiet about who I am and what I believe in order to just sell some paintings or books.

I try incredibly hard to live an ethical life now, one that is true to myself and my beliefs, although I may not have done as much when I was younger. This is important. Living this way I can always go to sleep comfortably without looking at the day and thinking I should have done or said something to the contrary.

I speak out about those things I feel are unjust, irresponsible or wrong in my view. I have no fear of reprisal or of condemnation. I don’t care if I buck system or the norm. I don’t care if a thousand people have a different opinion than mine, I stand true to my beliefs, as a person and as an artist.

If we are comfortable with throwing our ethics, morals and empathy aside, we are lost. If we are afraid to voice our opinions or be true to our beliefs, how can we stand?

I ask these questions not just for myself as an individual and a person, but for us, as a people and a society.

Remembering that our words and deeds define us, live with us and make us who we are, will not only keep us true to ourselves, but also shape the world we live in. This is an idea that we must not forget.

I choose to remember this, to do my best to abide by this. I will always have my voice, I will always stand by my beliefs, I will always have my creativity and the two shall intertwine and mingle as they will…for this is who I am.