Good Ideas (still) Grow on Trees
I'm reposting this video I made for Mike Viola because a lot of people are coming here for the first time today and, well, I just wanna.
I'm out on tour with Balthrop, Alabama right now. We're driving across the country, headed to the West Coast right now. Check here to see if we're doing a show near you. Come up and introduce yourself if we are. I hope to see you in Minnesota or Montana or Oregon or Seattle or California or one of those other states out there on this long, amazing road!
In the meantime, here's what we look like when we were out there in March. I know this is also a re-post, but when the Old Grey Lady links to you, a lot of people stop by to take a look! Hope to see you out there somewheres . . .
posted by Michael Arthur at 10:02 AM
10 Comments:
I love the videos and your bio and art. Thanks so much for being out there and understanding that it is ALL very important and fun. Zanelle
I came to your blog and website by way of the piece that was featured today in the New York Times on-line version (I don't get the paper on Saturdays. Loved your Hirschfeld stories -- to say nothing of that wonderful Hirschfeldian drawing of Ananiashvili (that was some celebration to judge from the NYTimes account). Have you every shown your work in L.A.?). Dealing with a bit of grief myself lately, I found it very affecting and more to the point, quite simply wonderful. I'm a big fan of both theatre and drawing (& occasionally blog a bit myself about both). Loved the videos -- particularly the first one in the little suite you've posted here. I'll be sure to look for your band when you play L.A. (which is where I'm based). All the best to you --
Ezrha Jean Black, Los Angeles
As a fellow artist, I really enjoyed reading your story in the NYT. I was an engineer for 15 years, and decided to give it all up to pursue my dream of being a painter. I've been working as a full time artist for a year and a half, blogging, having occasional shows, and generally trying to make a go of it. So thank you for sharing your story. I could relate to your statement on the front page of your website, to wit... "We have no clue what's coming up next; the best we can do is live in the moment and trust that if we're good and do our best, the next moment will take care of itself. I firmly believe this and live in constant fear that it is not true. I live at this neurotic intersection of confidence and fear, and becoming comfortable with that is the secret, if there is one.
I am terrified. I am a fraud. I do not know what I am doing. I have no clue how this will turn out. And there is no way out of the situation except to keep drawing."
Words I could have written and wish I had, so instead I'll quote you on it.
Good luck! Please check out my blog sometime, www.potamoi.com.
Erik Hagen, expat from DC living in the Hague, Netherlands
Dear Michael,
Thank you for your wonderful story in the NYT. I myself am an artist who has used drawing to bring me out of dark times. My entire life I had loved to draw but I was never able to pursue it as a career. This was mostly due the fact that my parents wanted me to pursue medicine.
About 4 months before I finished my undergrad program, I was in a dark place. Like you I had not drawn for years, but once i started again , everything became different. That was about 2 years ago and now I am going to study animation at Calarts. I've been drawing non stop for the past 2 years and I only look forward now.
You're an inspiration to me and keep doing what you are doing and telling people your story. THANK YOU!!
-G
I very much enjoyed your piece in the Times. Best wishes to you, your art, and your band!
michael,
as many before me, i came by your blog by means of the new york times article. i feel the need to restate how wholly inspiring the piece was, in that, not only have you attained what others can only dream of, but also your story provokes the good sense to just follow the talents grappling you to the everyday. your leap into the unknown truly, in our own misguided country of doubt and disillusionment, has provided.
i am a student, fresh from high school and ready to begin art school in the fall. all my life i've been in a row with this fixation with the visual arts, and now it has come to the time that i will act upon it, face it head on, and ride it to wherever it may lead. your story has provided a certain sweater like comfort in that i know that there is at least a person out there you has been through it, knows it, and is still with it.
thank you,
matthew
I came here for the first time today, but not by way of the NYT article. I did go yo the times are read it because of your comments though. Beautiful drawings. I like to draw and am new to Brooklyn and city life, so was quite excited to find your blog. I cannot click on the video, it comes up white. I tried accessing it both through Safari and Opera. Can you send me the link? Thank you.
Thank you for the happiness and awaking you bring~!
What a wonderful life. You are so inspiring!
Another one sent here by the Old Grey Lady (I take it that's the NYT) - a great, inspiring article, I'm very happy to find your work.
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