Emerging as an Artist in Los Angeles

[if gte mso 9]> 0/w:Zoom 0/w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery 0/w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery /w:WordDocument <![endif]

StartFragment

Sharing Saturday Evening withEMERGING AS AN ARTIST in Los Angeles.  

[if !supportEmptyParas]  [endif]

So I got back from Hong Kong where I had an inspiring experience AGAIN.  I always do when I go teach in HK but that is not what I am writing about here.   

[if !supportEmptyParas]  [endif]

AnD sponsored an event in Los Angeles called Emerging as an Artist in Today’s Global  New Media World.  Now I do think the title was a bit long but the part that stuck with me was the “Emerging as an Artist” part.  

[if !supportEmptyParas]  [endif]

It was so wonderful to go to this event in Los Angeles and  be inspired by the people speaking.  They were honest, kind, grateful for their lives and their careers and they were generous to everyone who was there that night.  

[if !supportEmptyParas]  [endif]

I believe that all of us can learn from every experience and these people reminded me that we all create art every day.  

[if !supportEmptyParas]  [endif]

To Mitch Allan; thank you for sharing that you started writing a song every day, whether good or bad.  It reminded me to take some time every day for my art.  

[if !supportEmptyParas]  [endif]

To Jace Hall; thank you for sharing with everyone the path you took.  You were willing to share with everyone that your path shows that it is possible for other artists to succeed.

[if !supportEmptyParas]  [endif]

Sandeep Parkh, you talked about putting product out there and how you did that.  You are a wonderful example of someone taking the bull by the horns.  Thank you for also including that training is also a part of putting the product out there.  Both are needed.

[if !supportEmptyParas]  [endif]

Kelly Hu, what a joy, to hear your commitment to the work and to taking a chance, a big chance.  Your strength in believing in yourself and not stopping was a pleasure to hear.  Thank you Kelly!

[if !supportEmptyParas]  [endif]

Mark Allen, you gave the evening a wonderful structure and really took care that your panel each had time to share.  Being a moderator is not an easy job and you manage it masterfully.  

[if !supportEmptyParas]  [endif]

Hearing these artists and their willingness to share how they survived and then emerged in their artistry was inspiring, fun and a wonderful way to spend an evening.  

[if !supportEmptyParas]  [endif]

Thank you all for taking the time and share with other artists.  

[if !supportEmptyParas]  [endif]

And for those of you who were not there I want you to know that there was also lots of laughter and camaraderie.  This kind of evening reminds me why I so love working with actors, directors, writers and any artist who has a passion for what they do.   It’s like we have a special language.  We understand why artists must create whether being paid or not.  But hey it is really preferable to be paid.  Finding a way to create your art AND get paid is the best of all, but everyone can continue to create their art and do their work no matter who or what agrees with you.  

[if !supportEmptyParas]  [endif]

So write your songs, create your games, write your stories, make your films,  share your talent.   Know that the joy of creating will sustain those days when no one around you understands and spend time with those who do understand and who will support and cheer you on!

[if !supportEmptyParas]  [endif]

Thank you everyone who put this evening together.  

EndFragment