Greetings all from the vacuum of time and constructive intention that exists between Christmas and New Years (at least for me…). My phone has been silent, my mailbox is empty (not that I’m checking either of them), and my sketchbook has lain forgotten over the past week. However today while reading a few blogs in a tentative first step towards reordering my life, I came upon something upsetting, and decided to take the time to comment on artistic responsiblity. Wonkette has posted a “super-secret advance copy” of a graphic novel produced by the NRA promoting paranoid, intolerant, and violent politics. Certainly everyone is entitled to their opinion, but this is something I concider to be a destructive and regressive message. Here’s the kicker: this seems to be a beautifully executed set of artwork. As a young artist, developing technical profficiency/excellence, and a distictive style are paramount… however another consideration which must be undertaken is the responsiblity of the artist. As strange as it may sound, I hope this artist truly believes in his/her message. It would be far worse, in my opinion for this artist to simply lend his/her skill towards creating a piece of artwork with a negative message for monetary gain or otherwise. Art is power, especially in an accessable and widely distributable format (e.g. graphic novels, printed illustration), so indifferance can be just as dangerous as malicious intent. This is certainly something I will be mediating on in the New Year, as I cannot claim well considered positive intent behind my every drawing, and I hope you give it thought as well.
So please check out the Wonkette, please support responsible artwork, and please use your voice in a positive, rational, and thoughtful way.
Best of luck in the New Year!
