a manifesto...every artist needs one

Along the Clarion. ©2015 Merriam Ryding

I wrote this as a list--so much easier than a narrative for me.  And so much easier to change.  I think an artist's manifesto should be rewritten on a regular basis.  We embrace change--we thrive on transformation
So here is my version of a manifesto for artists:

• 1. Explore: always be searching, reading, learning
• 2. Be self-reliant but not alone.  
• 3. Observe the way of the natural world--cycles, seasons--here is your guide.
• 4. Identify your audience. Work because they matter.  Build trust.
• 5. Don’t settle, they can always tell.
• 6. Be far-sighted in your goals: write them down and return to them often for focus.  
• 7. Be near-sighted in your work: details matter
• 8. Consider: is there a need for faith or for rebellion? (Never be afraid to revise goals.)
• 9. Share a truth as an instigator (drag them kicking and screaming if you have to)
• 10. To focus: reduce & simplify.  Subtract the obvious, do what drives you to your goals.  
• 11. Say ‘no’ more often than ‘yes’
• 12. Disregard the commonplace.  Mass taste is rarely good taste. (S Godin)  
• 13. Make time to stay organized.  A system for mundane tasks saves energy for the flow of the process.
• 14. Trust the process (S McNiff). Work through blocks, use mindless tasks to nudge you out of inertia.
• 15. Acknowledge failure, consider it a lesson learned, move on
• 16. Be good, but try to let no one know it. (L Tolstoy)  Boring gets work done.
• 17. Always live with less. (You are an artist, you really have no choice)
• 18. Credit those who inspire you
• 19. Encourage those who look to you
• 20. Ignore those who belittle you
• 21. Walk away from those that want to harm you
• 22. Keep your eyes open 
• 23. Keep your mouth shut.
• 24. Use your hands.
• 25. Start before you’re ready (S. Pressfield)

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