Rant

Today we had our group critiques, and as i expected I received my usual push-back for what I'm trying to do in my MFA which is a subject of much debate in my mind as well. However, when I was asked the question, "Why are you even trying to get your Masters?" It forced me into this desire to rage a little bit, not at Edinburgh College of Art, but all Fine Art Institutions like the one I came from, Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle.

Let me see: I am here because I, like many privileged, causation, young Americans, have traveled to many places, met many incredible people and have seen things that obviously have got to change. But unlike many privileged, causation, young Americans, I actually want to do something about it instead of shake my head and say, "Well isn't that just too bad?" At the age of seventeen I was able to travel to Uganda and The Congo where I realized (somewhat) what I wanted to do with my life: I wanted to help, whatever way I can. But what can I do? I am a mere artist who was conditioned by society that I am only allowed to create compelling works of art shown to an illite and wealthy crowd who apparently are the only ones smart enough to understand it. Thinking these things made me depressed and feel useless. In the words of my Lebanese friend regarding the average person in poor and struggling countries, "No one gives a shit about Fine Art". Why I am here, trying to achieve my MFA, is to try to find out how art can coincide with helping people.

Delving into the messy pit of philanthropy or activism, or anything that has to do with "helping" those less fortunate is a scary endeavor. Scary because so many people, whether it be with good intent or ill will under the guise of good intent have done more damage than good. Because of this, people have become wary of attempting to help, or of people who wish to do so. But just because the idea seems impossible, does that mean we shouldn't even try? Without even waiting to see what I have done in the past, people tell me with a great deal of caution in their face, to be careful not to exploit anyone, step on anyone's toes and then question what my motives are or if I even have a right to do this. Others say that it is not enough to help the giant problems that affect people all over the world which grow worse by the day. One of my professors here at ECA even made a valid point by saying that a bandaid wont help an amputee.

But perhaps I am too much of a pessimist when I say the world is far too messed up for me or anyone to fix. And I have no intention of fixing an amputated limb. However, just because I am pessimistic enough to believe that the world is going to hell in a hand-basket, doesn't mean that I am not going to do the best I can to help the reverse. As a privileged, causation, young American, I have the ability to do a great deal, and I wish that more people would think the same way. If I can live my life knowing that I helped just one person, then that would be better than if I do nothing at all.