Art has always been a mirror reflecting society’s soul, a universal language transcending time and space. Imagine standing before Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” painted in the late 15th century. The image, laden with history and emotion, speaks volumes without uttering a single word. But what if art, in all its forms, vanished from our lives? How would we connect, express, or even understand each other? 

Art has been a path to revolution, it has brought social change and a means for people to show others more color in the world. 

Art is all around us–woven into the fabric of our daily lives, from the way we move and speak to how we perceive  the world. We are fortunate to witness and be inspired by the creative expressions of artists around us. 

Recently, I had the privilege to interview five remarkable artists, each bringing their unique perspectives and relentless passion to their craft. This blog is a tribute to their dedication, a celebration of their contributions, and a reminder of the indispensable role of art in our lives.

Ask yourself what a world without art is?

We NEED Art

Art has the power to bring people together. It creates communities, both among artists and their audiences. It helps us discover shared experiences and individual uniqueness. 

Amanda Gorman’s, “The Hill We Climb” is a powerful example. This poem, performed at the 2021 presidential inauguration, offers a universal message of hope and resilience. Gorman’s words and delivery demonstrate how art can unite us and inspire change, even in the face of adversity.

Not only does this piece draw together a community, but the way the poem was performed delves into the art of “Slam Poetry” and how an artist expresses their work is how they want to share it with the audience. 

Art, in any form, disrupts society, building foundations out of shared beliefs. It’s a testament to our capacity to create and to connect. When we engage with art, we open ourselves to new possibilities and deeper understanding.

The Gig is Never Up

Many artists today cannot make a living solely from their art, despite their talent and dedication. They juggle multiple jobs, balancing their creative pursuits with financial responsibilities (thanks inflation). Yet, they persist, drawing inspiration from everyday experiences and finding ways to express themselves. 

We’re so lucky to get a glimpse of what they create. 

For example, Jayla Frederick reflects on how she tries to find creativity in the daily tasks of her full time job. She views housing additions and architecture as a form of art–making suggestions to enhance projects she’s reviewing for approval. 

It takes discipline and dedication, choosing the art over going out with friends or in extreme cases, a full night’s sleep. They transform personal challenges into art, offering their audiences a chance to connect and feel.

The next time you see a local artist’s work, think about the countless hours devoted to creating the piece, and the time they spent collecting their paycheck.

It’s Everywhere

Art is omnipresent: in the hues of a sunset, the arrangement of furniture, the simplicity of your coffee order, the style of your haircut, the mime performing outside the cafe, and the rhythmic sound of the ocean. It evolves with us, capturing the essence of our ever-changing perspective. A song that resonates with you today might hold a completely different meaning years from now.

Jaspar Law describes how he sees art and inspiration from,

“The way a butterfly flaps its wings or someone doing the moonwalk underwater.” 

His inspiration is drawn from his daily experiences, turning the mundane routine into beautiful moments.

Art in its myriad forms, shapes our experiences and enriches our lives in ways we often overlook. Without art, our lives would be dull, and without those that put in the work to produce the art, even duller. 

Jude Yee

Yee is a videographer, lens technician, and band manager, with a broad knowledge of film production which has made him a well-versed artist, always offering his wisdom.

Currently working at Sigma Lens Company doing camera repairs in Long Island, Yee is deeply drawn to the mechanics of storytelling. He finds creative satisfaction in problem-solving, viewing the hiccups that arise in film production as opportunities for artistic expression. He shared,

“Problem-solving [should be used] as a creative outlet to help find a solution.”

Yee continuously emphasized how creativity is not just the end result of the project, but it is woven throughout the entire journey. He even paid homage to the creative process behind the equipment videographers use. Shifting his approach in his way of thinking has only paid off in all areas of Yee’s life.

While this practice has enhanced his video production skills, he is always looking to learn more to perfect his craft.

Yee’s work highlights the experiences of others, focusing on production value while shedding light on individual stories. His passion for storytelling drives his creative journey, making him a multifaceted artist.

Want to see more of Jude’s work? Follow the links below. 

Jude’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jude-yee/

Jude’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jude.h.yee/

Edwin Camille

Camille defines himself as an artist, still exploring where he fits into the music world. His drive to create music stemmed from wanting to hear something different. When existing artists didn’t offer what he wanted, he decided to make music with his friends, and it has since evolved into something much larger.

In day-to-day life, Camille describes himself as reserved and introverted, but in his creative space, a new persona emerges. When performing or creating music, he remembers those listening are people, just like him. Music allows him to express himself freely. 

“You don’t have to be anything,” he said. “You just have to be you.”

This sentiment is reflected in his lively, evolving music. The world of music knows no boundaries, and gives him the space and range to discover everything he is capable of. Alternative hip-hop, his chosen genre, allows him to explore his personal experiences and inspire others. When he is not crafting his art, Camille works as a data processing analyst in Stamford CT. 

While Camille has only been in the music scene for two years, his journey has only begun. Stream “London” and keep an eye on his evolving artistry.

Want to see more of Edwin’s work? Follow the links below. 

Edwin’s Music: https://linktr.ee/edwincamille 

Edwin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edwincamillle/

Jayla Frederick

Said painter/illustrator, Jayla Frederick. Although she identifies herself as an artist, she believes her place in the art world is defined by others; she considers herself as a jack-of-all-trades. 

Currently working at Norwalk City Hall in the planning and zoning department she strives to find inspiration in her everyday life. Frederick studied illustration at the University of Hartford. Her experience has reshaped the way she looks at everything. 

When perceiving people she notices different parts of their faces–the oddities that we may dislike about ourselves she finds breathtaking. Frederick’s portraits highlight the beauty in what we often see as flaws. Her style infuses an “other-wordly” aspect, making her work timeless and recognizable. She wants us to look at a piece and say, “hey, Jayla made that.”

Each piece allows the viewers to interpret the art in their own unique way, devoid of any pushed narrative.

We discussed the timeless nature of print art and how artists can always add a personal touch, no matter how many times they revisit a concept. 

While there are various pieces to give praise to, Frederick’s standout piece, Bella Donna, a 24×36 oil painting of an owl, showcases her skill, yet I believe we’ve only glimpsed her full potential.

Want to see more of Jayla’s work? Follow the link below.

Jayla’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylafred/

Jaspar Law

Jaspar Law is a multi-talented dancer, choreographer, and director, who created the dance film. While balancing various side hustles he travels across the tri-state area, teaching dance classes he has choreographed himself.

Law’s dance centers around hip-hop, yet a fusion of styles is immersed into his performances. Hip hop encompasses a large range of aspects, there’s no one way to do it, and that provides the space for everyone to put their own spin on it.

When Law is creating a new dance routine, he allows the music to drive his movements, specifically the lyrics. 

“As humans, we have a desire to move when we hear music.”

The combination of these two art platforms, music and dance, allows for an organic emergence. A form of free expression is produced conveying emotions and driving a narrative through the way one moves. 

Law ultimately wants his audience to feel something profound in his pieces. While his short film, “Glass Houses” stands out as his most prized creation, he has choreographed various dance routines that shine light on his range of talent.

Want to see more of Jaspar’s work? Follow the links below.

Jaspar’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jasparlaw

Jaspar’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasparlaw/

Kayla Simon

Simon is a portrait and fashion photographer who has made a name for herself through her dedication and talent. Her favorite part of being a portrait photographer is when someone genuinely likes the photo she’s taken of them. Her main goal is to make those she’s photographing feel confident in front of the camera. 

It can be difficult to like the way you look in photos and feel comfortable when being photographed. To better understand her clients, she noted,

“Every photographer should get in front of the camera at least once a year.”

This experience has elevated her approach to photography. Aside from being photographed, Simon also noted how specific milestones she has experienced help to connect her even more with the shoots she does.

She finds most enjoyment from photographing graduation shoots, as she can relate to those in their cap and gown because of her own graduation from university. Her personal connection to the work she creates helps her capture authentic moments.

When she’s not capturing smiles, Simon works as a marketing coordinator. 

Her most recent accomplishment is her publication in the Cape Cod Islands Magazine Spring Edition. With her photography career just beginning to blossom, I believe we’ll see much more of her work published.

Want to see more of Kayla’s work? Follow the links below.

Kayla’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylasimonphotos/

Kayla’s Website: https://www.kaylasimonphotos.com/links/

For the Innate Desire

We seek to find a deeper understanding of ourselves, our purpose in this world, our lives. Maybe art is a means to find a way to understand and to connect. We yearn to feel things and find beauty in those moments.

Art evokes emotion and fosters self-discovery. Embrace this evolution and invest in yourself and those creating around you. Without creators, we wouldn’t experience the world they interpret for us. 

Support Your Local Artist

The cover image of this blog features names of everyone I know who is an artist. Supporting your local artists can be as simple as telling them you liked their latest work. It’s essential to lift up those brave enough to create. 

Social Media is a Friend

Scrolling on Tik Tok, I stumbled upon a compelling improv dance performance with over 10 million views. This community’s support for the dancer was evident and uplifting. Each artist I interviewed spoke about the supportive culture among artists.

While everyone works toward their goals, they share a passion and collaborate rather than compete. As Camille aptly put it,

“I don’t believe in competition.”

Social media helps artists build a community and offers us a way to support their art. Liking a post or leaving a comment can make a difference. I’m not saying you have to mess up your aesthetic and repost every piece of art on your timeline, just stay engaged with their work. 

Even if you miss someone’s latest post, go back and give it a like. The 21st century has created both more opportunities and an algorithm that seems impossible to perfect. If we use social media to our advantage we can help create a community for more people to connect through art.

Go Out and Experience

In college, I watched my friend Evan perform in various plays at the University of Hartford. Seeing him on stage, delivering lines with organic body language, was a pure experience. 

Think about the last time you went to a concert. As an audience you’re observing the same performance, but the meaning behind it is individual to each set of ears listening to the music. 

Concerts come at a cost, and the big names are worth seeing, but those in your local community should never be underestimated. If you’re looking for something to do this Friday, see if there are any bands, film showcases, exhibits, performances or any forms of art available to you. I bet there will be, and I bet you’ll get a lot out of it.

There are also tons of free museums!

When Simon first got into photography she discussed one of her first jobs photographing models with a friend of hers. This hands-on experience helped her discover this passion. 

Getting out there and experiencing art in its natural essence can make for an impactful moment and it supports your community of artists.

Why do I Write?

The first question I asked each interviewee was, why do you film/sing/paint/dance/photograph?

Their answers reminded them why they spend hours creating art and helped me connect with them.

So, why do I write?

I write because I love the value of words. Sometimes we forget how meaningful a sentence can be. How the impact of words arranged together, in the right ways, can be so timeless. 

I like to think every time someone reads my writing they see a little bit of me, but come out knowing more about them. I want others to connect and resonate with the words I share, and ultimately I hope someone finds some value in what I say, even if it’s just one sentence. 

As we navigate our lives, art remains a beacon of hope, a source of inspiration, and a means of connection. It challenges us to think, feel, and see the world differently. The artists I’ve had the honor of interviewing are just a glimpse of the creative potential that surrounds us. Support your local artists, immerse yourself in their work, and allow their creativity to enrich your life.

Keep creating, keep expressing and let art be the bridge that connects us all. 

Until next time,

Meils