An Artist's Perspective: We Resist Through Strategy.

Image by Mikel Elam

In Tai Chi, the art of least resistance refers to the principles of flowing with an opponent's force rather than fighting against it to achieve efficiency and power. In Taoist philosophy, we redirect or neutralize the attack through minimal effort and maximal technique. Resist is a word we've frequently heard this year. We are certainly in challenging times. 'Not sure what we can do to make it all go away. A force of corruption, greed, and small-minded followers has exacerbated the uncertainty of the future. 

Many feel helpless. As a community, our first instinct is to speak out. We most certainly know someone in our family, friends, and community who will suffer from these inhumane actions and ourselves.  Many move through the streets in protest. Others reach out to their local politicians to do something now. All good. The problem is that the new playing field is a world driven by leaders who suffer from greed and ideals over human life. 

Just look into our past. Wars were fought with nothing gained. The loss was significant. Human lives.  Destruction with little resolve. There were three leaders who showed excellent leadership abilities in civil rights. Martin Luther  King, Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. Leverage over force through timing and influence—position strategic planning instead of direct confrontation. 

Flow like water. A Taoist philosophy is also the foundation of the martial arts.  Exploit the weakness of the opponent.  Conserve energy. Work efficiently and with great speed. 

Resist sounds like force. Yet force can be the simple act of flying like a butterfly and stinging like a bee.  

Nature really does have answers.

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Mikel Elam

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 toward 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 up, I can begin introducing external sounds to continue my practice.

I would say my work's most recurring theme is identity, especially in these times filled with animosity toward the skin that many of my brothers and sisters inhabit. It is within this framework my paintings are born. The art, for me, is both an evaluation and validation of our existence. We exist. We are beautiful. We are powerful and humane. We are love.

Contact Information: mikelartist39@gmail.com