Artistic Statement

On the road less traveled, Creativity and Art have made me broke and happy. The Art of expressing myself grew on me. I slowly grew into myself through expressing my Art. Sticking to my guns about what I create and how I create it, keep me grounded, keep me focused. I followed my own path to form an Independent Grassroots Organization that would hub my freedom of intention and preserve my work. My primary focus has always been to keep my work honest as I explore personal subject matter based in the real world. Lacking resources, I started performing wherever I could find an audience: open mic nights in coffee shops, on the beach, and in the streets. I evolved to become part of something larger than myself, helping to revolutionize Art as a means for education and social awareness.

Art is the foundation of all cultures. Art can serve as a gateway to a deeper understanding of life. As Alex Grey puts it, “Let us offer our Art not only as pus, poison and self-indulgence, but also as medicine to heal the alienation and sickness of the human soul.” The moments of clarity given to us through creative individuals can heighten our level of perception by making sense out of this chaotic world. These real moments cannot be simply dismissed or written off as unnecessary. It is all we have left to feel in a world that teaches us how not to feel.

Our connection to our natural world, or lack thereof, is directly related to our inner peace. The depletion of our natural resources and the effect that has on our innate sense of humanity needs to be discussed. A shift in the Art world is currently taking place. While conventional methods have provided us with revolutionary Artists and work, we need to move beyond classical conditioning and learned behavior to evolve as a stronger Art force, one that asks for social change. We need to push the envelope and challenge our collective state of consciousness. Technique and skills alone lack in comparison to the value of passion in the composition of artistic vision. It’s time to add a cultural and self-awareness to this Art form. I look forward to an era when Artists develop their form of expression based not on popular convention or competition, but on their ideals and their emotional investment in their culture.

Art is bruised by our weakened cultural value system. While people are being pacified to death by man made distractions and pollution, Art is being held back by the lack of adequate funding. If freedom comes from opportunities, then Art must be accessible to not only the elite and affluent countries. The evidence of Art to educate and connect people with each other and with themselves is proof that Art relies on our participation. It is the nature of this beast, this creature that I am, this animal who needs Art to live, and like a human, wants more. Through Art I find a freedom that is mine, one that will never be taken. I cannot imagine a world without Art or Creativity. It doesn’t exist.

Liliana Cattaneo
Artist