An artist should not fall in love with another artist -marina abramovic

My favorite highlights From Marina's "an artist's life manifesto"

-an artist should avoid falling in love with another artist

-An artist should be erotic

-through the suffering an artist trancends their spirit

-depression is not productive for an artist

-an artist should look deep inside themselves for inspiration

-the artist should give and receive at the same time

-an artist must make time for long periods of solitude

-an artist should not treat his work schedule as a bank employee does

-an artist should have friends who lift their spirits

-an artist has to learn to forgive

After I watched her amazing documentary  The artist is present: 

I cried when her and her performance artist husband reunited after 20 years of silence - to forgive within her MOMA retrospective. They both shed tears and so did I. To watch years of anger melt is an amazing thing. 

To forgive is amazing, and be forgiven a miracle.

I want to write my own manifesto now! Just for fun. No I never beat myself physically with a whip to create art but bear in mind I do that mentally consistently! 

Here is my manifesto:

-an artist should always fall in love with another artist that does art in the same vane as them, but never expect that relationship to last; as that collaboration is certainly temporary.

-an artist should write, stretch, or just putter around the house with tea; but try not jump to the phone or email while still in bed.

-an artist should realize when a creative relationship or collaboration is over and quickly move on to the next.

-an artist should steer clear of family, friends or acquaintances that constantly criticisize their work or talk shit.

-an artist should have a shop dog or cat

-an artist should not fear when work is not present. (S)he should create something for themselves to do; money or no money.

-an artist should recognize when to get training; if necessary.

-an artist should not make art for money or create with that as a goal in mind.

-an artist should not let others manage their repertoire, as they are generally taken advantage of.

-an artist should quiet down and listen for their purpose

-this statement is stupid and incorrect: "those who can't do, teach"

It's not that I do all these things. It's just what I think I should do and what I believe.

It's hard to know my own purpose and make steps to accomplish it. It's hard when you finally do take a step and you are denied (via grant or other contest.) It's acually devastating. 

At 41, I finally was awarded my first art grant. It's a tiny amount of money to do a huge project but it's better than nothing!

I'll post later when we've flushed out the idea, but I can tell you it's ambitious.

I've wanted to create music for dance for awhile. Dancers have choreographed to my music, but the music wasn't specifically written for dance. 

My sister Lauren was a dancer. Though I didn't study dance (she did) we connected on that level. Since she died I've been obsessed with dance and form. 

I don't consider myself a dancer (could use more training!) but I've danced with ease my whole life. For the City of Austin piece it will combine dance, visual art, and music.

We'll see where my new freedom chapter takes me. I have nothing but 3 furballs holding me back. I've sacrificed family for art and that's fine with me for this lifetime.

I've nurtured PLENTY. It's time for nature.

Marina's documentary was inspiring. I wanted to share - art strikes a chord. You should feel Something. In your heart, mind, or body. It should move you. 

If it doesn't, it's forgettable and purposeless. 

Goodnight Art Seekers!