Answers

The fuzzy mythology about the lives of artists makes us believe there is magically tragic artist life that we somehow grow into or create as an identity. I believe an artist's life is authentic to the artist in forms that are myriad. Then I ask myself if there a core of values or characteristics that define this authenticity. I suppose I could just ask myself that question answer it for myself and assume I had the answer for everyone. And maybe that's all I could do and the best I could do. So I'll give the big answer a try.

-- Art should be wrapped in a creative approach to the world.

-- Hold on to personal integrity as an artist for as long as possible.

-- The desire and passion to do art are not enough, even if practiced. The intention must be to seek something profound.

-- Art must never lose sight of its humanity.

-- Art must never lose sight of its responsibility.

-- Art must never become complacent, spoiled, condescending, flabby or compromising.