Text and Meaning in Elemental The Power of Illuminated Love (part 1 of 3)
(Detailed section of "Bettin' On Herself" artwork by Luther E. Vann from the book ELEMENTAL, The Power of Illuminated Love)
Success for the creatively-inclined individual can be defined in many ways. Certainly
there are those who necessarily measure their triumphs in terms of monetary gains. There are others for whom success means the refinement of a process, participation in a unique endeavor, the achievement of a level of personal mastery, or the realization of a rare kind of vision.
there are those who necessarily measure their triumphs in terms of monetary gains. There are others for whom success means the refinement of a process, participation in a unique endeavor, the achievement of a level of personal mastery, or the realization of a rare kind of vision.
For some, it is all of the above.
Upon agreeing to work with the artist Luther E. Vann on a book showcasing contemporary
art, ekphrastic poems, and short essays in 1991, there was little reason to believe it would ever see publication much less gain recognition as a “success.” It was not the kind of work on which publishers preferred to take chances. Neither the artist nor this author at the time commanded such compelling presences in the marketplace as to make a victorious outcome likely or inevitable in 2008. Whether or not it would have moved the hearts of judges making and breaking aspiring entrepreneurs during Shark Tank Week is debatable.
art, ekphrastic poems, and short essays in 1991, there was little reason to believe it would ever see publication much less gain recognition as a “success.” It was not the kind of work on which publishers preferred to take chances. Neither the artist nor this author at the time commanded such compelling presences in the marketplace as to make a victorious outcome likely or inevitable in 2008. Whether or not it would have moved the hearts of judges making and breaking aspiring entrepreneurs during Shark Tank Week is debatable.
Nevertheless, the idea was powerful enough to survive almost 20 years before finally seeing
the light of day. During that time, from 1991–2008, the individuals whose creative drive sustained the project experienced everything one might expect human beings to experience over a period of almost 2 decades: illness, divorce, death, economic upheavals, professional roadblocks, and professional victories.
the light of day. During that time, from 1991–2008, the individuals whose creative drive sustained the project experienced everything one might expect human beings to experience over a period of almost 2 decades: illness, divorce, death, economic upheavals, professional roadblocks, and professional victories.
A Persistent Vision
What allowed the endeavor to survive and eventually emerge in the form of a community-sponsored artistic event (in Savannah, Georgia), a celebrated book, and history-making art
exhibition was a combination of artistic appeal and commercial potential. A number of poems from the book were published over several years, from the late 1990s to 9/11 and beyond, in ESSENCE Magazine. Likewise, some of the art in the proposed publication was at the time available for sale and made the idea of an accompanying exhibition attractive.
For the full article by Aberjhani please click the link:
Text and Meaning in Elemental The Power of Illuminated Love (part 1 of 3) - National African-American Art | Examiner.com
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