Don't be a dream killer

I attended a panel sponsored by Temple University Libraries titled, Art as Activism: Using Art in the Public Space to Send a Message. And something that struck me, outside of the sheer brilliance of the artists who were taking over public spaces with or without permission to share work that makes a statement about politics, and where does one fit into the Philadelphia landscape. I also heard how many artists are not fully supported when they make the critical decision to actually do and pursue art from their families. And that is when I was reminded that most of us do not envision our children pursuing art for a living. It is not often considered a viable way to live or survive. And the term "starving artists" does not do much to help the image. Or that the entry into much of this is very competitive.

Yet, without the presence of art in all of our lives much of what we experience or witness would be bleak and dreary. And if we do not continue to cultivate and support the development of art and artists (those who are making the art) then soon our civilization will end as we know it. And we really really need Black and Brown children growing up and aspiring to be artists because WE are Necessary and Vital.

"The arts quite simply, nourish the soul. They sustain, comfort, and inspire." Gordon Gee

"To create one's world in any of the arts takes courage." Georgia O'Keefe

So then if it is such an obvious conclusion, then why are the arts nearly absent from public schools in urban centers? Why are libraries and books no longer valued? I am telling you, it is because of the arts that I am an avid reader, a great mathematician, a ferocious historian, a fearless performer, a no holds bar writer, and most of all a life long learner. I owe it all to my mother and grandparents not being dream killers. When they noticed my love for art they just kept giving me more, and when I said I wanted to major in it in college, no one said NO. My extended family were slight dream killers, but not enough to drown out the folks that mattered. (Remember what you say matters and leaves a life long effect).

And teachers and parents can be huge dream killers. Often, we believe that we are protecting the youth from the unknown, the uncertainty, the heartache and most of all the financial highs and lows. But what makes me laugh is that all of the above exist in all careers. Especially today, so you better select one that you are passionate about and one that brings you joy or else settle for  living a half life.

When children are supported in their dreams and aspirations, their path to success is so much faster and so much easier. Because they do not have a Plan B. Despite the support, society rewarded me for having a Plan B, a teaching certificate. And don't get me wrong I am good at it, but I left it time and time again. Because my heart and soul wanted to be elsewhere.

Today, I have a daughter who is a senior in high school. I have never ever heard her utter the words, "Plan B" or "If this doesn't work I can always do this." She is fearless in her decision to pursue visual art and creative writing along with a healthy does of culture anthropology.  She is a natural storyteller and her art work is breathtaking. And she actually works very hard at it because she understands the concept of improvement and woodworking. But she also knows she CAN because she has seen me be a working artist. She has been there through the ups and the downs. And it just makes her dreams even more achievable. She can sit on a panel years from today and speak on her achievements, but also on a journey that did not start with obstacles or doubt from those who love and support her.

So the next time a child, be it yours or someone else's, asks you about art and what it takes to be an artist help them find the tools and the information. Connect them to a fellow artist or simply help them to look up what it actually is and all of the different careers connected to the world of art. Open their eyes and help them to consider the possibilities. And do not, I repeat, do not be a dream killer! Because believe it or not, if we are going to survive another 100 years we need artists like we need air to breathe.