#77 Judging Artists We Don’t Understand

First Written: 1-23-2024
Read Time: 4 mins

Surprising Wisdom
Empathy is Just Benefit of the Doubt
Music Theory
A picture of happiness

Unsuspecting Source for Wisdom

“So misunderstood, but what’s a world without enigma”

6 Foot 7 Foot by Lil Wayne

Sometimes the unusual ones are the ones that make a difference. Thanks Mr. Wayne. Honestly find myself referencing this line in my own brain more than I care to admit – What a place for philosophy…

It’s easy to boxify people, cast off – rappers, say – as knuckle draggers who don’t contribute ideas… but what is a world without enigma? Lil Wayne isn’t someone I’d generally turn to for life advice, but dang he’s got a point. Uncertainty, mystery, misunderstanding… it’s all part of it isn’t it? The way he comments the line, almost lamenting, but so matter of fact. No way to live if we’re understood by everyone, gotta color outside the lines every now and again

Empathy is Just Benefit of the Doubt

“Creative expression is an extension of self, life, and personal experience“
me

Abstract painting, origami and gangster rap. Someone somewhere is thinking ‘Geez this is dumb, what numbskull is even capable of creating this’.

But if it is truly authentic, deep from the soul, how can we fault the artist? SHOULDN’T art come straight from the soul? SHOULDN’T it be off-putting for some of us because at least that means it’s authentic?

I think it’s cool because it forces you to frame your mind in a way to make sense of the art.

What state of mind – suffering, ecstasy, or otherwise – would this person have to be in to make this art?

Ex: Picasso – Creative or mentally deranged?

Rapping Up, Zooming Out

Continuing the theme from the previous 2 newsletters, I am really internalizing the idea that music has a tremendous impact on how we think about ourselves, more than just happy music putting us in a good mood.

Lyrics literally shape thoughts and actions throughout our days.
It’s part of the reason I find it so fascinating to listen to lyrics of music not just the beats.

You can learn from people singing about the exact same problems we have. Some of them have it figured out, some of them don’t but at the very least it’s an opportunity to connect with another Human Experience

In that way, every song is like a mini TedTalk.

My Painful Artwork on Happiness

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

My name is Colin and I like to ramble about life. My mom tells me I’m special and I think the Officials are starting to believe her. I like reading (mostly picture books) and telling people they’re wrong. If you figure this life thing out, pls let me know, it’s a toughie.

You can hear me talk (read?) more about myself here.

Thanks for reading, nerds. If you liked this and you’re not a total loser u should sign up for my Newsletter (unless you actually aren’t a loser, then don’t sign up, it’s not good anyways)