I hope you all have loved the Artifice Dallas Series as much as I have! It was so incredible for me to reconnect with Sergio and Shannon, my old college buddies. Interviewing my brilliant uncle Jonathan was one of the best things in all of 2019. And meeting+interviewing Jose and Michael (two artists I would have had NO other earthly reason to get to know) was so moving, and has honestly made the world feel small in such a gorgeous way.

January 2020 Featured:

My Dallas guests got me thinking about SO many things. It’s hard to choose one subject upon which to center the recap. But, one thing all of these Dallas artists share in common is their stories of curiously following their instincts, even if they weren’t certain of the end point.

Jose shared SEVERAL incredible stories of seizing opportunities in the moment. His whole artistic past is littered with instances of rising to the occasion, and stepping out of the normal pattern to do something nobody expected. It’s such a brave way to be. *As a side note, I’d just love to say… Jose, we CAN’T WAIT to see how you work to codify Mexican cooking. If there is a book, we will all want to buy one. I know it will be amazing. ?

Michael and I spent a lot of time talking about the ways we can respond patiently to our own human development. Some artists have a straight path from childhood, but many (if not most) need to spend time exploring, learning, and growing, before we are ready to take on our full-time art careers. I love how Michael talked about the ways he was growing creatively during his 20’s, before starting fashion school in the following decade. I think this kind of story is SO BRAVE. We should all remember that our lives can be a constant exercise of curiosity and exploration, if we will allow it.

Sergio shared his thoughts about the importance of developing critical thinking and perspective at a young age. And then, we talked about how this practice will continue. Our work as artists is about nurturing our creative skill sets such that they can rise to meet our level of curiosity. I love the idea that curiosity should always lead. The drive to gain greater perspective leads our creative skill-building. I would love for all of us to spend more time thinking about where our perspectives could stand to grow, so we can curiously follow those ideas toward new creative endeavors.

Jonathan and I really got into the idea of authenticity. I want to write more about this next month, but at the core of the conversation is the notion that one’s authenticity must not be fixed, as we sometimes assume. If we continue evolving, what feels authentic will change. I think this is absolutely an exercise in moving forward, not knowing where you might land. Then…taking off again on a brand new unknown path.

I’ve talked with previous guests about the idea that “peace” is an overrated concept in [at least] American culture. I think we like to believe that we will arrive at some neat, gingham, picket-fenced final point in our late 20’s, early 30’s, and then just maintain a nice status quo until we die. It’s a thought that always leaves me feeling totally deflated. But, this new conversation has me wondering if part of the issue is the fear of reinventing. I can understand that—it’s terrifying! I can totally see how it would feel easier to reach adulthood, get a little stability, and then just anchor down. *THIS is who I am.* But, I believe that continual reinvention is the most authentically human thing we can do. And I love seeing artists who are carrying out these processes in introspective and meaningful ways.

Shannon specifically applied my ever-confusing Artifice question to the idea that art is roundabout, at least some of the time. It’s easy to look at a finished product and imagine that the artist set out with that exact vision. When, in reality, our best creations often demand such meandering in order to land in their finished form. I’m so grateful for the stories Shannon shared about the struggles some of her songs have gone through. It’s so real. So, so real.

In my case, my compositions often go through a total Frankenstein phase—I’ve taken them apart, pieced them together in odd and uncomfortable ways, gotten scared and abandoned them when they seem out-of-control…and then, finally, I can see what needs to happen. And I know I never could have written the piece with its final, post-Frankenstein form in mind.

I think I just want to leave you with the idea that it’s badass to keep moving when you don’t know exactly where you’re going. There’s maybe nothing braver. And there’s maybe nothing more potentially creative. I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

And while I’m here…I want to remind you that MY FIRST OFFICIAL SINGLE from the Masks album is coming out on Valentine’s day! I’ll be posting some teasers in the next two weeks. I can’t wait for you to hear it! CANNOT WAIT!

Until then…

Em