Good Morning everyone here at Stage 32! Good to be here. Has anyone ever read “We Need Your Art Stop Messing Around and Make Something” written by Ami McNee. It really resonated with me, because it explains that our society needs art, because it is the most important tools we have for self development. Art is a mirror for humanity. There is a misconception that we are not worthy of making it worthwhile. This is why I do what I do and don’t feel bad about it.
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love this! I totally resonate with this!
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OMG I bought this book as soon as it came out Courtney Warner! I loved the chapter about perfectionism. I struggle with perfectionism and it's something I continually try and overcome realizing that it can hold me back. I have to learn to embrace that failing is okay and you can learn from it. It doesn't make it any easier, thought. What did you think of that chapter?
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Andrea Thompson I hear you!! I struggle with perfectionism too! we have to realize NOTHING is perfect or it wouldn’t be ours because we are only human! Thanks for the read;)
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Courtney Warner no i haven't read it yet but excited to do so now after your share. I fully agree that our society needs art. As well as being a potential tool for self-development (if a person chooses it to be) it helps to connect us with our common humanity. Indeed i think good art connects us with the transcendent. It illuminates and inspires and signals the way forward. So I agree you're doing something incredibly important and worthwhile!
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Andrea Thompson yes i can relate to the perfectionism and how it can put a spanner in the works. As well as embracing that failing is ok, I re-framing it as feedback that gives me the opportunity to make a shift and I see it as a process rather than a thing. Working on feeling 'good enough' is another way to get around perfectionism. How else do you get around your perfectionism?
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Hi, Courtney! I couldn't agree more! As both a photographer and a painter myself, I truly believe that art is one of the most powerful ways we reflect, process, and connect with the world around us. It’s amazing how creativity not only shapes us individually but also strengthens our community and brings us together. Thanks for sharing this—it really resonates!
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I’ve never read that one, but I’m definitely adding it to my list now. Thank you for sharing it, Courtney Warner! That message really resonates. Art is a mirror, and it’s so encouraging to be reminded that creating isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. The world needs more people who embrace that calling without guilt. Are you working on anything new that you’re excited about?
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Yeah, thankfully I have a lot in the mix right now. I have a film that is in post production that I shot in Nashville, and now I’m diving into a new role details coming soon shot by the same director in Nashville! I am very excited! Thanks for asking! How about you?
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Nice!
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Nice! Thanks for sharing it! I will take a look!
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That’s so exciting, Courtney Warner! Congrats on the film and your new role! It sounds like you’ve really built something special with that creative team in Nashville, and I can’t wait to hear more about it.
As for me, I’m the Head of Community here at Stage 32, so my main focus is supporting this wonderful, global group of creatives and helping people connect with the right resources and opportunities. But in my free time, I’m also working on a book. It’s been a passion project, and I’m really enjoying the process of building it out slowly.
Thanks for asking, and I’m so glad you’re here in the community!
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I've not read this but I just added it to my list Courtney Warner. Thanks so much. I love this part of the book description: "We Need Your Art is a revolutionary reprogramming of everything we have been taught and told about being a creative, removing the shame and fear we may feel at dubbing ourselves artists and inviting us to create proudly, with celebration." There has been quite a bit of societal programming of artists through the years. Congratulations on finishing your film Courtney. We live in Nashville so we're cheering you on!