Appreciate an Artist Week 2015
Ok, I'll admit that I just made this holiday up. But hey, I figured, why not?
If you're like me, you are just a little bit introverted. (I myself am a lot introverted.) I am also quite shy. I love books and music and movies and stories.
This presents a little bit of a problem.
There's no doubt that art has helped to shape part of who I am. Half of my blog is dedicated to stories, after all. Being shy, though, I often don't let the artists know that I enjoy their art and that it inspires me, and I think that's pretty stupid. Why would I not let other people know that what they have created is awesome? Why should I let my shyness control me?
So today I challenge you (and myself) to write to an artist who's inspired you and tell them that you appreciate their work. Maybe it's your favourite author who you haven't worked up the nerve to write to yet. Maybe it's that kid at school who's posters line the art room walls and you love pouring over them at lunch. Maybe it's that blogger who always has an interesting view on an issue. If you want, you can even extend it to thank the person in your life who means a lot to you but you've never mentioned it.
Write to/tell them why you appreciate them, because it can be super hard to be an artist and I know it always makes my day when someone tells me that they appreciate me. (Plus, I was kind and am making it a week long thing soI can gather my courage we all have enough time to write something meaningful.)
Every year, I'm going to write up a post about my newly created holiday and say which artist I've written to and why (because a little bit of accountability never hurt anyone). This year, I'm writing to Owl City (AKA Adam Young) because his music is awesome (seriously, if all you've heard is Fireflies and Good Time then you are seriously missing out) and has helped me out in some tough spots in the past couple of weeks.
So in a nutshell, this week is about working up the nerve to thank someone for their art, because art is really what makes us human. (That and chocolate.)
Who are you writing to and why? Share in the comments!
If you're like me, you are just a little bit introverted. (I myself am a lot introverted.) I am also quite shy. I love books and music and movies and stories.
This presents a little bit of a problem.
There's no doubt that art has helped to shape part of who I am. Half of my blog is dedicated to stories, after all. Being shy, though, I often don't let the artists know that I enjoy their art and that it inspires me, and I think that's pretty stupid. Why would I not let other people know that what they have created is awesome? Why should I let my shyness control me?
So today I challenge you (and myself) to write to an artist who's inspired you and tell them that you appreciate their work. Maybe it's your favourite author who you haven't worked up the nerve to write to yet. Maybe it's that kid at school who's posters line the art room walls and you love pouring over them at lunch. Maybe it's that blogger who always has an interesting view on an issue. If you want, you can even extend it to thank the person in your life who means a lot to you but you've never mentioned it.
Write to/tell them why you appreciate them, because it can be super hard to be an artist and I know it always makes my day when someone tells me that they appreciate me. (Plus, I was kind and am making it a week long thing so
Every year, I'm going to write up a post about my newly created holiday and say which artist I've written to and why (because a little bit of accountability never hurt anyone). This year, I'm writing to Owl City (AKA Adam Young) because his music is awesome (seriously, if all you've heard is Fireflies and Good Time then you are seriously missing out) and has helped me out in some tough spots in the past couple of weeks.
So in a nutshell, this week is about working up the nerve to thank someone for their art, because art is really what makes us human. (That and chocolate.)
Who are you writing to and why? Share in the comments!
Seriously love this idea!
ReplyDeleteI'm writing to my old art teacher because she is extremely talented and I never had the courage to express this as her pupil.
Thank you!! I'm glad you're taking up the challenge!
DeleteI looooooooove Owl City and I think it's so cool that you're sharing your experience with the artist directly. It's so important to let artists know how much their work has meant to you over the years—honestly, I should probably do the same with Adam Young someday. :) This actually sounds like something that would be good to do on a monthly basis... I don't know if I can do it now, but it's definitely something to keep in mind for later!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness yes!!! His music is absolutely amazing. Thank you, and I know, artists give everyone so much but very few people actually thank them for their art. (It's just so scary!) And I'm actually having trouble finding a way to send my letter to him, but whatever. I'll keep trying, I guess. Yeah, a thank-you once a month would be really good, but once a year is stretching it for me right now, so I guess I'll see how I cope with stepping out of my comfort zone. I hope you take up the challenge someday!
DeleteAwesome idea!
ReplyDeleteI would like to write to my mother who taught me the ins and outs of being artistic and creative from a very young age, and persisted with me, even though stick figures are a challenge in themselves :)
Yep, stick figures sure are challenging :)
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