#iAmAnArtist Manifesto

This week seems to be the week of manifesto in Twitter-land as the battle lines of artists, indie filmmakers, distributors, social media pundits, critics, and such are defined, redefined, and bloodied.

The reality is that being an artist, filmmaker, musician, actor, etc can often be a lonely, empty space filled with existential angst and sometimes it REALLY, REALLY helps to know that there are other people out there who get you and appreciate the spark inside that drives you to live, breath, and create.

This is where the #iAmAnArtist Manifesto comes in. If some of the things below ring true please send out a tweet with the #iAmAnArtist hashtag. You can follow this twitter discussion here: http://bit.ly/cCYAr1

Here are some of the things that people throw at filmmakers, actors, musicians, and artists that really, really bother me:

• If you don't do X, Y, and Z you are a hack.
• If you aren't making money then you aren't serious, it is just a hobby.
• If you only do something for yourself without the audience in mind, it isn't worth doing.
• If you don't have the "right" resources, then you shouldn't make a film, art, etc.
• .....

Here is what I believe in because #iAmAnArtist:

• I can create in any way I want and in any form I want, I am an Artist.
• I am passionate about creating and it means a lot to me and defines me, it is not "just a hobby".
• I believe the best way to create is to look inward and express one's own passions and dreams.
• I create by using whatever is available to me, I will not let limitations prevent creation.

Comments

[CrazySphinx]

Is that a still from your new film? The shot is amazing.

[Reid Gershbein]

Thanks! Yep, it's a still from my new feature "Flowers".