"I think The Newsletter just is what it is. It's not trying to be something it's not. It's not trying to convince anybody of anything. It's not trying to persuade or change minds. It's an archive of inspired thought, uncertain discoveries, and lessons that I've received from consuming art and creative philosophy. It's not meant to be taken with context, it just simply exists."

–

I think a lot of projects needs to have a certain amount of “curtain” pulled back in order to allow consumers to understand what's going on, but I recently had a meeting about The Newsletter that stirred up some interesting thoughts. I was asked what gives me the authority to speak on creative philosophy and introspective approches to art. At first I was met with confusion, but realized that the answer is quite simple. I don't have authority, nobody does.

Nobody is bestowed authority to speak on creativity – at least not in my eyes. If one were to argue that certain artists or prolific creators are given "permission" to inform and explain creative thought then we also have to ask where the person who gave the permission in the first place was granted that power as well. At the same time, what doesn't give someone authority to publicly process something?

I understand that renowned artists and thinkers are inherently listened to with more credibility on any given day. What I don't like about this familiar concept though, is that we pigeonhole ourselves by only receiving from those who are revered by masses. I'm a firm believer in seeking wisdom from those who have battled against trial and error for much longer than I have. There's a richness and depth that can be found if you listen to those who have had the honor and privilege of encountering failure more than you. However, I have to wonder how many creative thinkers and prolific minds are walking among us ignored and untapped solely because they are labeled as an inexperienced.

It's a safe assumption to say that most people love seeing the childlike wonder and curiosity in humanity, specifically in children and people that are starting something new for the first time. It reminds us that we were also once uninformed and careless in our approach to life – in our approach to anything that we grow to love. It forces us to think back on a time when we weren't so bogged down by the fear of failure and potential opinions of outsiders, observing our efforts. "I wish I could be that bold again" isn't a foreign phrase to overhear. (Re-visit 27 - 'The Immature Approach' for more on this)

I'm disillusioned with the current state of the hierarchy in the creative world – a necessary shift is taking place within the up-and-coming generation of creators and artists. One where authority is not given, but taken, assumed, and redefined by the boldness of those who are willing to demystify the creative process.

The Newsletter is not a place of given authority. It's a project that if I imagine as a physical space, is a space where light paint the walls from every angle, and a large table is at the center - equipped with enough chairs to fit as many people as it needs to that are interested in sitting to talk and figure things out.

It's a place for open ended thoughts and introspective discoveries to live. The Newsletter aims to pull back the curtain and not take itself so seriously like many (myself included) often get stuck doing.

It's not meant to be taken with context.

“It just simply exists.”