DAMN RIGHT, Lyle. I'm getting tired of people saying, "it is this", "it is not that", "you are an artist", "this is art", "this is not art", "You are not an artist". I am also never going to tire of discovering within myself and others, our answers to others' prognostications.
A 100+ billion people have lived on this world, and enough of them have created things in so many different ways, that to label a thing is a reflection not of the thing itself but of the labeler and the contours of their limitations and perspectives.
Who appointed anyone the deity of all there was, is, and will be when it comes to the creative facility which took us from the caves to other worlds, and brought us the work of countless minds of the ages?
People have sure tried through the ages to create velvet ropes and waiting lines, to give their stamp of approval or otherwise, and that's not going to change. What's also not going to change is that, thank all there is, that enough of us will go on and do the "thing", whatever form that takes, to create change. You're part of a long line going back to the first sunrise, and it's a pleasure to enjoy your art.
Back to your book, I want to read it. I want you to write it. I am not alone in this.
Yes! I tend to think of the “pieces” that I write (and yes, I will unapologetically call them that) as scraps, that I eventually stitch together in this crazy quilt of my life. For years, much of my writing revolved around caring for my late mother, who had Alzheimer’s and I never considered it trauma porn. It’s just fucking life. Why should we feel as if our motive in writing must be justified to anyone? If you are writing from the heart, raw and deep and sometimes dark, your words and motives are true and humble.
And somewhere down the line, there was a seismic shift and I began writing about this remarkable woman and my newfound appreciation of her talent as a writer and artist rather than what she and I had lost with her disease.
Excellent Lyle. And yeah, your writing is art, you are an artist, fuck em all and make no apologies. (Hint: I've discovered they're all secretly rooting for you and no-one thinks your pretentious. And if they do, revel in it).
I'd also recommend a book I haven't read called On Pretentiousness by Dan Fox, though I think you're grappling with the perception of being pretensions versus actually being it, which is different. Read a great review of it though, and I think the soaring 20's needs more people to stand up and call themselves artists, and to stand by their 'pieces'.
I'm writing the most pretentious book I could conceive of, three of them in fact because I'm that pretentious, and I'm proud of it
Hell yeah, Lyle, you’re an artist! I usually call my posts on Substack issues (I think someone I read uses this term and I more-or-less unconsciously adopted it), and for other stuff, it’s stories if fiction and essays if nonfiction. It may be because English is my second language, but “pieces” doesn’t feel that pretentious to me, tho. I mean you’re right, what you make are “pieces” of writing. And I feel like you should be free to describe your work however you want. You’re the one who knows the most about what you’re trying to do, right?
I think I’ve even used the term “issue” at some point. That’s interesting how “pieces” doesn’t feel that way to you. I’m not sure what’s behind it and why I even went there when I was younger. It’s like there’s an aversion to allowing artists to take their art seriously. I even remember listening to a memoirist read her work in an audiobook and thinking she was enjoying her turns of phrase a bit too much. What the hell is that about? She should be proud of what she wrote. She should want to flaunt her talent. If it’s not for me, then so be it. But that doesn’t mean I need to take her down a peg.
Anyway, not sure where that rant came from. Thank you for the thoughtful comment, Andrei.
I forget that the celebrated artists and musicians often aren’t recognized in their time (perhaps misunderstood?) Only afterwards. Let alone the fact that art itself is an expression of feeling, experience, and perspective. Thank you for your artistry week in and week out.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t suffer from the same doubts you wrote about so well here, Lyle. To me, an artist is anyone who creates art, and everyone is capable of creating art.
But it’s easier to express that sentiment than to live it. Sometimes I go around in circles about where my art sits in the hierarchy of art and if it’s even really art. Reading literary criticism, especially the more modern stuff written for the internet, hasn’t helped me square those circles. If anything, those kinds of pieces bog me down. Sometimes I think that’s the point of those pieces. They’re usually written by people who don’t make art, but instead prefer to critique it. Their work is useful and necessary, but I’m not sure how helpful it is to the artist.
As I read this piece, I was excited to hear that you’re working on a memoir. Why? Because I know you have a good story to tell, and even better, it’s the kind of story that a lot of people would benefit from hearing. Is that story art? Yes, of course it is! Embrace your art, tell your story, and ignore everything else that gets in the way.
But I know you know that, just like I know it. And yet we suffer from the same doubts. It seems, in both of our cases, the doubts come from outside critiques. Critiques that haven’t even occurred yet and probably never would! Man, us artists are good at creating narratives. Even if they’re false narratives that just live in our own heads.
"To him, it’s as if I’m saying, “Look at this important piece of art I have created with my mysterious and complex artistic sensibilities that you, a common, more simple person, couldn’t possibly fully understand.”
This statement possibly comes from a person who DOESN'T fully understand, and it sounds a bit defensive, sorry to say. Your writings, Lyle, are just this: important pieces of art, created with your mysterious and complex sensibilities. Your concluding four sentences are exactly right. Trust me. I am sorry you even have doubts about your writing. We all do.... but still.
Thank you, Sharron! The things is that my brother is a drummer and we were in a different band together and we created some art we’re both quite proud of back then. I’m sure he and I will chat about it soon. During that same conversation, he actually predicted I’d eventually write about it 😆
You ARE a fucking artist! Love this. :)
❤️
DAMN RIGHT, Lyle. I'm getting tired of people saying, "it is this", "it is not that", "you are an artist", "this is art", "this is not art", "You are not an artist". I am also never going to tire of discovering within myself and others, our answers to others' prognostications.
A 100+ billion people have lived on this world, and enough of them have created things in so many different ways, that to label a thing is a reflection not of the thing itself but of the labeler and the contours of their limitations and perspectives.
Who appointed anyone the deity of all there was, is, and will be when it comes to the creative facility which took us from the caves to other worlds, and brought us the work of countless minds of the ages?
People have sure tried through the ages to create velvet ropes and waiting lines, to give their stamp of approval or otherwise, and that's not going to change. What's also not going to change is that, thank all there is, that enough of us will go on and do the "thing", whatever form that takes, to create change. You're part of a long line going back to the first sunrise, and it's a pleasure to enjoy your art.
Back to your book, I want to read it. I want you to write it. I am not alone in this.
Anyway, you are an ARTIST.
Hellll yeah! Preach, Edward, preach! I need to hire you to give me periodic pep talks.
Yes! Own it, Lyle. You make art. Each piece is part of a whole that is emerging over time. I'm so glad you are returning to your memoir.
Yes! I tend to think of the “pieces” that I write (and yes, I will unapologetically call them that) as scraps, that I eventually stitch together in this crazy quilt of my life. For years, much of my writing revolved around caring for my late mother, who had Alzheimer’s and I never considered it trauma porn. It’s just fucking life. Why should we feel as if our motive in writing must be justified to anyone? If you are writing from the heart, raw and deep and sometimes dark, your words and motives are true and humble.
And somewhere down the line, there was a seismic shift and I began writing about this remarkable woman and my newfound appreciation of her talent as a writer and artist rather than what she and I had lost with her disease.
That’s really beautifully put, Amie. Thank you!
❤️
Excellent Lyle. And yeah, your writing is art, you are an artist, fuck em all and make no apologies. (Hint: I've discovered they're all secretly rooting for you and no-one thinks your pretentious. And if they do, revel in it).
I'd also recommend a book I haven't read called On Pretentiousness by Dan Fox, though I think you're grappling with the perception of being pretensions versus actually being it, which is different. Read a great review of it though, and I think the soaring 20's needs more people to stand up and call themselves artists, and to stand by their 'pieces'.
I'm writing the most pretentious book I could conceive of, three of them in fact because I'm that pretentious, and I'm proud of it
Peace, and keep writing 'em✌️
I haven’t yet mentioned the two other books I have in mind. Look at us two pretentious artists!
Well, shoot. Make that three of us egomaniacs.
You go, Gavin!
Hell yeah, Lyle, you’re an artist! I usually call my posts on Substack issues (I think someone I read uses this term and I more-or-less unconsciously adopted it), and for other stuff, it’s stories if fiction and essays if nonfiction. It may be because English is my second language, but “pieces” doesn’t feel that pretentious to me, tho. I mean you’re right, what you make are “pieces” of writing. And I feel like you should be free to describe your work however you want. You’re the one who knows the most about what you’re trying to do, right?
I think I’ve even used the term “issue” at some point. That’s interesting how “pieces” doesn’t feel that way to you. I’m not sure what’s behind it and why I even went there when I was younger. It’s like there’s an aversion to allowing artists to take their art seriously. I even remember listening to a memoirist read her work in an audiobook and thinking she was enjoying her turns of phrase a bit too much. What the hell is that about? She should be proud of what she wrote. She should want to flaunt her talent. If it’s not for me, then so be it. But that doesn’t mean I need to take her down a peg.
Anyway, not sure where that rant came from. Thank you for the thoughtful comment, Andrei.
I like to denigrate the value of my work by calling it a "bit"'.
Lol that’s a good bit!
I forget that the celebrated artists and musicians often aren’t recognized in their time (perhaps misunderstood?) Only afterwards. Let alone the fact that art itself is an expression of feeling, experience, and perspective. Thank you for your artistry week in and week out.
It is sad how often artists aren’t celebrated when they’re alive.
I will lay in a good supply of scotch, and you can come to my house. We will all celebrate each other. Life is short.
Well written. 👍🎉
Well written Lyle. You are a skilled writer👍🎉
Thank you, Vinitha!
Good piece (of art)!
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t suffer from the same doubts you wrote about so well here, Lyle. To me, an artist is anyone who creates art, and everyone is capable of creating art.
But it’s easier to express that sentiment than to live it. Sometimes I go around in circles about where my art sits in the hierarchy of art and if it’s even really art. Reading literary criticism, especially the more modern stuff written for the internet, hasn’t helped me square those circles. If anything, those kinds of pieces bog me down. Sometimes I think that’s the point of those pieces. They’re usually written by people who don’t make art, but instead prefer to critique it. Their work is useful and necessary, but I’m not sure how helpful it is to the artist.
As I read this piece, I was excited to hear that you’re working on a memoir. Why? Because I know you have a good story to tell, and even better, it’s the kind of story that a lot of people would benefit from hearing. Is that story art? Yes, of course it is! Embrace your art, tell your story, and ignore everything else that gets in the way.
Your writing is most definitely art, Michael!
But I know you know that, just like I know it. And yet we suffer from the same doubts. It seems, in both of our cases, the doubts come from outside critiques. Critiques that haven’t even occurred yet and probably never would! Man, us artists are good at creating narratives. Even if they’re false narratives that just live in our own heads.
YES
❤️
Well, that settles that! Glad you came to the correct conclusion.
Thanks, Dorie!
Bob’s (that’s the alias I’ll use here) reaction is priceless “you’re the writer that knows big fancy words.” 😂😂😂
That said, it’s your work so you can call it whatever you want. If you want to call it sausage gravy, I’m down. To eat his (or her) own, I say.
Lol sausage gravy sounds kinda tasty!
"To him, it’s as if I’m saying, “Look at this important piece of art I have created with my mysterious and complex artistic sensibilities that you, a common, more simple person, couldn’t possibly fully understand.”
This statement possibly comes from a person who DOESN'T fully understand, and it sounds a bit defensive, sorry to say. Your writings, Lyle, are just this: important pieces of art, created with your mysterious and complex sensibilities. Your concluding four sentences are exactly right. Trust me. I am sorry you even have doubts about your writing. We all do.... but still.
Sharron at 🍁Leaves
Thank you, Sharron! The things is that my brother is a drummer and we were in a different band together and we created some art we’re both quite proud of back then. I’m sure he and I will chat about it soon. During that same conversation, he actually predicted I’d eventually write about it 😆