DANGERMARC

If you read my blog you may already know Andrew Jones. At various points in my career, Andrew has popped up and inspired me in some way. You can read my past posts here, here, and here.

A year ago when I had this _crazy_ idea to do Live Digital Painting, I spoke with Andrew about it. Andrew’s response, “Oh yeah, I’ve been doing that on the Bassnectar tour.” We talked about ideas, and his methods, and soon after I was up and creating Live Art, pulling inspiration from beats, blips, and bass.

Andrew and I spoke recently about the challenges we face being one of two Live Digital painters in the world, and being so close in our communities and scenes. It can feel competitive or “icky” sometimes when you’re trying to make your own way, so similarly to another. It can really bring you down, and even shut off opportunity if working together would open a door.

I walked away with a few of my core values as an artist, clarified. The two that most clearly summarize my thoughts are:

• It’s essential to find your own voice, and give respect to those who have inspired you. By all means, establish yourself as an expert at what you do, just remember those who helped you get there.
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• Reaching out a hand in collaboration, even if that’s inviting your “competition” to play with you, is exactly how we build community and strength as artists.

Click here to see more of Andrew’s inspiring work, or Andrew’s Tribe profile to see some of his Live Painting.