An Artist's Perspective: A Practice of Surviving Bad Behavior
- Mikel Elam
- May 3
- 2 min read
Monuments are built to remain forever. Creating a narrative about the times. Just a few years ago, monuments that were offensive to some Americans were finally removed . Only to be restored by the current administration. This is one of the reasons the current Führer wants to build things with his name on them. It doesn’t matter. The truth will persevere. His ineffectiveness as a leader will go down in history.
The monuments to bad behavior will be his legacy. He, too, will fall. Whether by natural causes or by removal. His monuments bearing his name will go into the same trash pile as all the others. In time, many of us will choose to forget the darkness. All the compassion in art will be remembered. Art is a reflection pool. It might not completely give us the solution to the problem. It will certainly wake us up to the problems. Out of Darkness, the Light will appear. In the meanwhile take care of yourself like never before. If your mental or physical stability fails, then they win twice. We will survive this.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I am in search of my higher consciousness, all within the constraints of this part melanin-based vessel. Some say we arrive out of the womb already aware of our destiny. I have always gravitated towards future ideas: new approaches and ways of looking at things. I’ve been searching for humanity within the sea of infinite compassion. Simply trying to get closer to the divine. I meditate twice a day. I try to nourish my body and my soul with proper sustenance. My art practice is a continuation of these values. This often leads me to make observations about this life and its consequences.
I love all of the art forms. I am most adept with pigments and painting devices. I listen to music, watch films, and read constantly. However, when starting a painting, I work in silence. It gives me better clarity in developing a dialogue and a narrative within the art itself. Once the work can stand on its own, I can begin introducing external sounds to continue my practice.
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