why we matter

We can choose to be un-involved

to stay quiet to not say a peep, not let out a whimper

Because we choose to or because we fear to

How about expressing that which is in your hearts?

How about supporting your voice?

It is perfectly fine to make some noise

if you wish to. If this makes you feel better.

The time is now to make that stand

Not in your back garden or on the front lawn

but a-midst others in society

to find those that feel like you do

who beat the same drum of the heart

Raise that flag! Be brave and sober

Think clear and with purpose

Because that's why you are here now

To discover where you stand

what you think

and ultimately: who you are

What is your purpose here?

Are you going to stand idly by?

or are you going to look after your fellow man?

We do not live to be quiet

we do not live to be complacent

We live to discover who we are

we live to discover how big 

our hearts truly are.

We can express that which is the other

and tell the story

and increase the field of knowing

and the field of belonging

so we can come home

and be home

at last.

Photo by The Guardian, covering the "Occupy Wall Street" story in New York - 19 September 2011: link here.

graduate style

Sometimes I reckon some of the best work we do happens in the graduate phase. Why? Because we are still eager, inventive and quite happy to make bold moves. Because we can. Because we allow ourselves. Because we want to.

For an artist there's nothing worse then being stuck in the same style, the same ways, the same toast sandwich, the same... (well let's leave it at that) year after year. If you wish to create wonderful art-works, un-limit yourself. I found just the other day while designing new work for Hemptech that really what I have come up with was so placid and frankly, quite dull. I was in shock! The mundane horror! Oh NO! Curse it curse it -teehee.

Un-limiting our minds truly helps in aiding the graduate spirit of free thinking and bouncing forward. Try it.


Photos: Mariposa chair by Edinburgh College of Art graduate Kate Rider 2009