April Bowlby Instagram – What is the role of the artist? Shakespeare Behind Bars founder Curt Tofteland says “The arts get to the fundamental essence of what it means to be a human being.” My brother @solguy says the purpose of the arts is healing – through creative practice. @gbauerbach (maker of this Bowie 🎨) uses mixed-media to capture the nature of other artists to awaken us to our own. The job of the artist isn’t linear. It isn’t about manifesting self will. It’s to reach for a truth calling us from the ether and then try to let go enough so something real can shine through. When we see or hear something real we feel truth. Filled up. Stirred. One. And emboldened on our journey through change, to becoming something closer to our true selves. A lot of artists feel forced to put this noble task up for sale. A materialistic, for-profit culture pushes down on us, teaches us that attention, approval or money is the only value. Instead of seeing these currents as fuel — fuel for a ship whose destination if worthy, can only be as John Coltrane called it, “A Love Supreme” David Bowie said: “All art really does is keep you focused on questions of humanity, and it really is about how do we get on with our maker” — “I don’t make changes to confuse anyone… I’m just searching. Searching for myself.” @the_real_iman says “Change makes you find your calling, your legacy, and God’s divine plan for your life. Don’t run from it.” How? Be true to ourselves. Be kind. Loving. But don’t try to please for money or fame or compliance. Embrace curiosity and change, wonder, look at things askew. Take the challenge to be wider, deeper, more human. The Gospel of Thomas says “If you let out what is within you, what you let out will save you.” Being an artist is to be in constant conversation, constant ceremony, constant healing. It sings out with a force that can not ever be held back. The voice of the artist.