Comments on: The Beginning

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 03:27:53 +0000

I think your taste is impeccable. Some will be offended. Some will be uplifted. That is irrelevant. If it’s inside you, you need to make it. Decide if you’re willing to pay the price for releasing it after it’s done.

So many times we self censor. The truth is, most of the world knows nothing of most of us. That gives us the freedom to be ourselves.

Seth Godin says some people hate stuff. That’s ok though. If they hate it, it wasn’t meant for them.

So… the biggest limit to freedom is our own perceptions. Make your art. Set it free.

By: brookeshaden

brookeshaden — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 18:55:05 +0000

In reply to Tim Stephens. What a beautiful comment, Tim, and I am so grateful for your words. I will carry them close to me as I begin to create. Thank you! And I'll see you soon!

By: Tim Stephens

Tim Stephens — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 18:46:57 +0000

Brooke – The way I see it, meaningful art initiates a dialogue. It starts with the artist posing a question or making a statement that turns on a light in the viewer’s mind. That light may reinforce existing beliefs and ideas or it may reveal conflicts and dissonance – schisms in the viewer’s framework for relating comfortably to the world. I think the degree to which people are offended depends on how bright that light is for them and what it reveals – how long that part of them has been left unexamined in the darkness. So be it…

For the artist, making art is the process of turning that light on inside their own head and trying to make sense of what they find there. Sharing that art is the act of sharing that revelation with others. There are many motivations to share what we reveal or recognize in ourselves – ‘The Truth’ as we see it and understand it in the moment. But to share out of love – to offend out of love – is noble.

You may already have a feeling for the sorts of people who might be offended by your new series. If, at the end of the creative process for a given piece, you can say, “In the name of love, I offend thee!” you are on pretty solid moral ground. Which is not to say there won’t be repercussions or consequences. Rather, that you succeeded in creating art to further the greater good, sharing your emotional and intellectual journey with honesty and integrity.

More power to you! And lots of love!

By: brookeshaden

brookeshaden — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 01:53:52 +0000

In reply to Linda Maveri.

I can’t begin to describe what your words mean to me – you’ve brought tears to my eyes. I am so thankful to have your support and I will move forward with more determination than ever.

By: Linda Maveri

Linda Maveri — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 01:51:31 +0000

Brooke,
You are a genius in my book. With a kind heart and soul.
If there is something inside you that needs to come out, and it’s darker than what people “expect” of you, I say too bad. I think when you first started, there were quite a few people who saw you as a fairytale princess whose work didn’t jibe with her everyday persona, and some people were disturbed with your work. I’m sure you were asked over and over why you didn’t create something nice, something sweet, something pleasant.Obviously people were a little shocked at the time, but you know…they got over it. Look how many people love you, follow you, even though they know your work is rather dark at times. I think you will help all of us grow and inch out of our comfort zones. You are a trailblazer who will make it possible for others to let out their TRUE art…not what might be safe enough for the masses. Now, you may lose a few followers, but great change doesn’t happen without big moves that are sometimes painful. Go be YOU! We will be rooting for you and stand behind you when the “mean people” show up.

By: Tanya

Tanya — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 12:49:31 +0000

“It will offend people.” What, ALL of them? Are you sure about that? 🙂 That’s one heck of an undertaking – to offend everyone, everywhere! Tongue-in-cheek comments aside, some people in life get offended by anything … what someone else wears, how someone else speaks, how they look, the fact that it’s raining when they want to go out … the list is endless. However, ‘being offended’ is also a conscious choice that we, as individuals, make. Being offended can also be a natural reaction to fear; we don’t want to face what we fear, so it’s often easier to be offended by it instead (perhaps it’s more ‘socially acceptable’ somehow?). But who knows – maybe by ‘offending’ some people out there, you’ll actually help them conquer their deepest fears instead. You are one of the most cathartic visionaries I’ve come across and your work challenges and heals in equal measures … don’t let your own fear of offending people hold you back, and don’t ever be apologetic about creating what YOU need to create.

By: Gallagher Green (Fit BMX)

Gallagher Green (Fit BMX) — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 18:46:13 +0000

I thought of two quotes this morning that fit your situation.

“The artist must possess the courageous soul that dares and defies.”
kate chopin.

Art is not a mirror, but a hammer: it does not reflect, it shapes.
Leon Trotsky

By: brookeshaden

brookeshaden — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 17:14:07 +0000

In reply to Angela Willis. I love that Angela :) You are the sweetest and really managed to set some of my fears aside. Thank you darling!

By: brookeshaden

brookeshaden — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 17:14:02 +0000

In reply to John. Well said John!

By: brookeshaden

brookeshaden — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 17:12:46 +0000

In reply to Jim Dawson. I love that perspective and will take it as inspiration into this new series! Thank you Jim!