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Don't become dependent on another's acceptance of you. Sing your own song clearly until the last note is sung; let your flame burn until the last ember has dwindled. In a society where we so easily judge, it is difficult for the expressive artist to be considered a valued contributor.

Works of art, whether they be painting, music, or dance, have become a commodity. An artist only warrants praise if their work has financial merit. And if the mainstream accepts your work, then you have gained worthiness; if they don't then I guess you are worthless as is your body of work.

In some societies the artist is considered a seer, a visionary, someone whose dreams and vision hold great value. They are the storytellers, the ones that reach into the past, add commentary from the present and offer visions to the future. They build the bridges that connect our past with our future. This societal attitude towards the artist, inhibits our ability to truly create. To access the creative spirit held deep within. We become our own worse judge and put many restrictions on what is good and what is not so good. In order to become a true storyteller we have to release our tendency to judge and paint or write from the soul. We can not liberate ourselves unless our life and our work is directed toward sustaining proper life balance and we conquer our fears of rejection and search for the courage to paint or write from the shadow as well as the light within.

The condition of my soul is like the fish or deer, struggling to find freedom from the hunter.

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