"I am an artist, and unapologetic for my creations." This quote is one that I live by, because it explains much of my thought process as an artist. The world we live in has too many boxes people wrap their lives up in, and they cannot seem to see let alone move beyond that box. This box seems to be a comfort zone, has no room for growth and has so many limits, that boundaries become the most often used word.
As many artist will tell you the creative process doesn't have limits unless you set them, and I'll be damned if I set myself up in that crowded box again! Being unapologetic means to be unwilling to make or express an apology. In my life there have been moments where I felt I had to apologize for something, and in most cases I did. I never knew that by doing so you are already claiming a defeat in the situation even when you did nothing wrong.
There have been many occasions I felt as if I just gave in to save face. As I grew into my art and allowed it to really control most aspects of my life, I came to realize just how much I may have passed up great opportunities; all because I never let the real me shine. I cannot continue to focus on what could or might have been, because it will only disable me from moving forward of where I am today and where I'm going.
These past few years have been both challenging and blessed and I have not one regret. My art has taken me to places I never thought or dreamed of going. Meeting people I might have never met, and doing things I never thought I would do. I believe without a doubt that most of my blessings come because I don't restrict myself and I take counsel from my inner wisdom; unapologetically. I don't have time to think about how others view me or whether my creations will offend them; because I don't create for anyone specifically unless commissioned to do so.
My creations are inspired through dreams given to me from my ancestors, my feelings and a few through visual places I find myself surrounded in, by my spirit and faith. I cannot apologize for anything I create because it's my spirit that has the vision and my body does the work. When it comes to the business aspect of my art, I am told that I can be a bit prudent. I have learned over the years that if you do not take pride in how you conduct yourself in every aspect of your life you lose your balance. So I maintain my balance by being both careless and careful, careless of what others think of my creations, but careful to know this is my means for survival. I treat the business aspect as I do because it's an extension of who I am.
"Our opportunity is to Soar our Spirit.
To see Light and Joy in everything.
To spread our wings and fly boldly.
To give thanks for rainbows and butterflies -
our symbols of renewal and rebirth.
To offer daily Thanksgiving - for ourselves, our family,
our friends, our community, for the whole world."
- Jonathan Lockwood Hui