Sunday, October 31, 2010

Following the Yellow Brick Road

This photo, Wooden Fence in Munchkinland, was taken on my journey through the Land of Oz a year ago.

Adventurers who follow the yellow brick road towards their dreams are seen as bucking the system. Most people who go through the educational system are pretty much asked to set their entire career path "in stone" with their guidance counselor in middle school or junior high. This leads to things like concrete jungles and paving paradise to put up a parking lot. Students are rewarded for pursuing paths that lead to the typically corporate American Dream of climbing the ladder, and looked down on for specializing in things like industrial arts.

Meanwhile, rumors about budget cuts in schools always seem to appear, threatening to axe art classes altogether. As if art should be considered an expendable extra just because it's "fun." True enough, art has a colorful reputation for daring to be different, breaking established rules, and not always being profitable or utilitarian in the same way as cranking out consumer goods in a factory.


As an artist, the dreams that I have cannot remain contained simply in my imagination. There's that human need for self expression and communication along with my best attempts at the creation of beauty.


"Art for art's sake," as they say.


I only came to discover that I'm an artist just when the economy started to tank. But I was meant to be born and live in these times. Which means I'm meant to use my talents to their fullest in these times. Not "someday." Now!


My recommendation to you as an artist is to go out and chase a few rainbows. Follow the yellow brick road. After all, if you're a photographer like me, the trip through Oz should make for some great photo opportunities! :-)

6 comments:

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

Hey there girl, there is life beyond OZ! So good to hear from you again in bloggerland and so loved what you had to say. Your photography continues to impact me and this shot is so compelling and mysterious. Here's to alternate paths and fulfilling creative dreams.

Montanagirl said...

That's a lovely photo. Really like the wooden fence.

Janie said...

That's a great photo, very Oz-like. Your photography is a wonderful form of artistic expression. I hope you will continue to follow your dreams.
It's good to hear from you again!

Annie Jeffries said...

Wise words and advice I need to follow more. Beautiful photo. I like the enhancement very much.

Linda E. Pruitt said...

Just a little note to say: Thanks for visiting my blog and offering your encouragement! What a blessing!

Also, I LOVE the photo! More please!

CountryDreaming said...

Bren: Always nice to hear from you too ... Although it really does seem like a challenge finding my way out of Oz these days! Maybe some of us just aren't meant to.

Montanagirl: Thank you very much!

Janie: I really appreciate your kind words of encouragement ... thanks!

Annie: To my mind you seem to be doing really good at immersing yourself in creativity. :-)

Linda: Just HAD TO make sure you saw my comment to you since your one blog post really resonated with me. * nods * And thanks for your support!