Your Stuff and Nonsense may turn into a Firebrand

I have a file on my computer called “Stuff” where I put down ideas for blogs and articles. I get a one-word idea, and then ramble on with it to see if it has substance. Some of my one or two word ideas really take off; others fizzle out after one or two sentences. When that happens, I do some research on the subject to see what turns up. If I’m lucky (or blessed), I find a plethora of information. If there’s nothing, or the word has a negative connotation, I go back to square one.

One such word was “firebrand.” I loved the sound of it rolling off my tongue. I had a few ideas on which direction I could take it, but then I actually looked the word up: Firebrand, “One that creates unrest or strife; urges crowds to riot (I certainly didn’t want that!); progressively promotes a cause – an agitator.” I didn’t like that definition either.

But the more I thought about it, I decided that was exactly the word I wanted to write about. I liked this description: “One that creates unrest or strife.” Artwork is supposed to cause people to think, to push them to analyze and cause unrest or strife from within. Fine art is supposed to change us in some way, either to shake us up and help us see another point of view or to inspire us and motivate us.

Most people think of art as beauty. I was sitting in a relative’s living room this weekend admiring a painting on the wall. Actually, it was very bland. The background colors were light ochre, beige and tan. A dark brown tree and its naked branches spread across a yellow cast sky. The scene was a perfect balance of simplicity. I felt peace. Instead of blaring color the artwork’s still presence blended in with the background and décor which was what it was intended to do.

I realized that I’m a firebrand kind of person. I want to make a statement. My paintings don’t want to blend in or stay in the background, they are more conversation pieces. They either draw you or repel you, depending on your point of view. I have difficulty painting fluffy pretty scenes. I’ve had to master this technique and by the time the canvas is finished, I’m bored and eager to move on.

We each have our own style, but there’s one thing that we must all agree upon: without skill, passion and conviction, the final work may look and feel like a puddle of paint.

The word firebrand also describes the hot iron that burns a rancher’s name on his or her cattle. Artists must create their own firebrand that becomes recognizable; a signature that is unique and represents not only the artist’s name, but a clue as to his or her style. I wish I’d created something more unique than just my first initial and last name. I’ve seen some very clever logos that are remembered and admired. If you’re just starting out, I recommend creating something different. Make it simple. Make it memorable. Then when your fans see something of yours, they’ll recognize it in an instant.

Use your “firebrand” to create unrest, strife, or simply a tranquil experience that people will buy and treasure for many years to come.

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