Blog: Love, Acceptance and Art

Love, Acceptance and Art


The world has changed dramatically in recent years.  We have more and more people from various ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, religions, and transgenderism than ever before.  Our communities are filled with cross-dressers (who by the way are more often straight than gay), Bears, Muslims, Buddhists, Otters, A-Listers, Bikers, Jews, Atheists, and Twinkies.  From my perspective, this is exciting.  I am curious about people and what makes each of us unique.

However, diversity can often make people feel uncomfortable.  Not understanding  why someone is agnostic or gay can create feelings of fear and even hostility.  But does one really have to understand another culture and its beliefs in order to be accepting?  Of course not.  Does one have to understand the notion of transgender in order to honor and respect a transgender person?  No.  Not in my book.

A general sense of love and acceptance can trump any ignorance or feelings of ill will.

When I first came out I was only 15 years old.  My parents were accepting, though they knew that being a happy and healthy gay man was more challenging than living life as a straight person.  Although they didn’t fully understand my being gay, they never changed their unconditional love for me.  And really there was nothing to understand.  It’s not a choice, and I was happy with who and what I stand for (and still am).  I am honest and compassionate.  I care about my close friends and family, I work hard, and I’m an empathetic person. What more did I need to explain?

It’s almost like trying to explain why you like one piece of art over another.  You just like it.  You might like blue or magenta or orange, or prefer landscapes over portraiture, but it’s difficult to know why.

In this vein, I believe that art and life have parallels.   I know collectors who only covet photography, and others who only revel in painting and sculpture.  Just like I know people who prefer cats over dogs, and others who like older women instead of hot twenty-somethings.  None of these preferences need explanations.  It’s just part of how we are made up as human beings.

I’m not advocating being ignorant.  Education can help us better relate to each other.  However, my belief is that accepting life on lifes’ terms is powerful.  Go with the flow.  Our raw and innate capacity to love and accept is natural and freeing.  If you don’t understand someone or something that seems foreign, try embracing its uniqueness.  It’s easier than you think.

ART AND LOVE

A simple art tip from an artist: when acquiring art, make sure to select a piece that you truly love.

Avoid purchasing art that is solely meant to complement a space in your home. Art is meant to create emotion: either to make us think, offer peace, challenge us, or even create disturbing or lonely thoughts.  If you acquire art that gives you the emotion you are looking for, then art will serve its purpose and will be fulfilling and enriching.

Art should also have the capacity to stand on its own.  In other words, art can hang on a wall with nothing around it and be complete, just as it does in a gallery or museum setting...no sofa or table required.  If you purchase art because it looks attractive next to piece of furniture, then the impact of the artwork will be lessened or will likely be temporary.  If you move or buy new furniture, then you could be left with art that you don't really like.

So acquire art that you love. Then you can decide how it will fit into your home.  Have an art conversation first, then a design conversation next.

FLOWERS, LOVE AND BEAUTY

FLOWERS, LOVE AND BEAUTY

How did the beauty of flowers become connected with our notions of love, beauty and romance?  We live among a profusion of flowers, millions of varieties in shapes and colors and scents that transform us, arouse our senses, prick our emotions.  They have been worshipped, used in magic elixirs, and pressed in books of poetry.  But of course, they are fleeting in their fragility; they express themselves fully, sacrificially, exult in their purpose as they stun with their beauty and then go away.

I am presenting a special collection of expressive floral representations that will

live forever, capturing that deeper mystery of beauty that flowers have to teach us.

To view these images, visit www.AlexRemington, then click on Gallery.

A Documentary of the World

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Photography is impactful because it allows us to freeze time forever. It’s a wonderful medium in that it allows us to see things that we normally might be too busy to see. It lets us play with light in order to manipulate a scene and create an even more beautiful image. I love photography because it often shows a perspective that even the most articulate orator cannot completely and thoroughly describe.

Most of all, by photographing the world, I have become more cognizant of my surroundings... insects, trees, flowers, people, animals, the air we breathe, the way we treat each other. Photography is a documentary of the world, and the wonderful gift it offers us is to stand back, observe our images, and then become more aware, compassionate, nurturing, and kind. Although these attributes are commonly a focal point during the holiday season, regardless of ones' religious practice or spiritual path, my hope is that these qualities become inherent in the every day.

So take lots of pictures, and view others’ photographic works. Use your iphone, DSLR, tablet, or an old-school film camera. Click, post, print, and look without judgment. Observe the world and see how you can have an impact.

With Love,
Alex

Friendship and Art

 Through the medium of art, I have renewed several friendships this year and have cultivated new ones.  I’m grateful that photography has connected me to others.  Art gives me peace which has allowed me to share myself, and simultaneously has given others the courage to be vulnerable with me.

 

“There is no surer way of uniting the world than by Art.”   JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE

 

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and wonderful New Year. 

 

Love,

 

Alex Remington

Being Present Through Art

I believe that one aspect of life that enriches us is the ability to feel deeply.  Strong emotions, whether feelings of peace, gratitude, inspiration, or even disturbing thoughts, give a fullness to life.

Art is considered to be one if not the most subjective aspects of life, and it creates a myriad of emotions.  Some art evokes consistent feelings, while others are dynamic and ever-changing.  In either case, art allows us to feel. 

For those who are not very in touch with their emotions, art can create emotional breakthroughs, often connecting us with our inner-most , intimate thoughts.  Being in touch with our emotions gives rise to increased self-awareness and thus the ability to be more present.

"Each of us is the best we can be when we are fully present, focused yet relaxed, curious yet non-judgmental, committed yet flexible."    John Kuypers

Thank You for Your Support in 2012

I wanted to take a few minutes to thank everyone who has supported and assisted me in my career path. This past year was a huge turning point in my art career.  I won a few awards, I was accepted into galleries, and a number of my images became part of important collections.   However, as you all know and as I have blogged previously, most of our successes do not come without the help of others.

Many people have taken time and interest to support me in many different ways. I would like to thank the following people specifically:  John Williams for countless hours on creative assistance;  Allie Mysliwy who has guided me in brilliant mentorship);  Ken Maxwell for creating significant branding;  Shantel Davis for perfect hair and makeup;  David Radcliffe for incredible set and prop design;  and Mann’s Framing for superior artisanship.  In addition I want to thank my good friend Roger Martin, as well as my mother Audray and brother Adam who are always there for me whenever I need advice.

I also want to thank the local community for having my art put in your homes and businesses and thus allowing me to continue to work as an artist.  I love being creative, exhibiting my progressive ideologies, and most of all, sharing and discussing my work others.  I feel that sharing my art connects me to people, and as I have expressed frequently , connecting with people is fulfilling and adds meaning to my life.

 Again I appreciate all of you and your contributions to my career as an artist.

Warm regards,

Alex