Art Behind the Lines

I have this book of old sketches and carvings and prints from the Civil War era. I don't remember if it was a birthday or Christmas gift from my sister and bro-in-law, but it's full of the unknown stories behind the art and the artists / journalists, "Specials," that struggled to bring the war to life beyond the front lines.

I used to stare at these old drawings in elementary school history books, amazed at how they could create with canon fire rocking the earth around them. We're not talking photographs here. Most were sketches on the battlefield with handwritten notes in the margins, sent to the papers up North (some to the South before supplies ran thin) with finishing artists ready to recreate their work for the front page.

These Specials: Homer, Vizetelly, the Waud brothers, Forbes and many more, risked their lives to create images with a message for their hometowns, cities and the nation eager to feel the impact of the battle for the soul of the country. Did that battlefield art always tell the absolute truth of the event depicted? Does is it ever? Or was it at times drawn to inspire, to give hope and exaggerate defeat or victory? Like most art, it's remembered less for the singular drawings and sketches, and more for the body of work created in that season after the fact. Work with a message for the next generation.

Sitting on my front porch, down the road from a cemetery busy with visitors, families, mourners, friends of the fallen and artists with a desire to capture the memory for a new generation, I can't help but think about the Specials and the role they play in our creative pursuits today.

A lot of Scripture and prayer are offered on a day like this, too. Faith has played a role in memorials for all of human history, the Civil War is no exception. I was thinking about the ancient Rabbi's call to guard our words. Words, like art and tools and weapons, build up and tear down. "Don't let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." I was thinking how Rabbi Jesus' words impact our creative pursuits today. How they impact mine.

How are our words, images, sounds and strokes building up? Are we modern day urban Specials in a world of chaos and beauty?

Are we pursuing our art with a dedication beyond the average bear? With a vision and values?

Are we committed when the earth is rocking around us?

What's your message? Is it worth sacrificing time, energy, money and in rare circumstances, your life for?

Let's honor those Specials and the men and women they've attempted to capture and tell the story of on this Memorial Day. And let's continue to tell stories.

Hammers, Doormats & Communication

This week's Bandcamp is about communication. Somewhere between emojis and handwritten, feather-penned letters is the sweet spot for your bands most productive communication style.

So, before the next discussion on uniforms, copyrights, rehearsal start times and world conquering dreams, let me ask you a few questions. These Q's are intended, as always, to begin with you. You can't fix your band mates. You can't fix your band habits and goals and attitudes. But you can start with yourself and then build from there. Here goes:

Q. Are you willing to listen? Yeah, I know you have something to say, but so do they. Listening requires being interested. Are you?

Q. Are you echoing? Seriously, are you listening to what they are saying and then repeating back their key words, final point? This has two potent effects: first, it shows that you're listening and interested and second it clarifies what's being shared and heard as the conversation progresses. Go on, test for echo.

Q. How are you responding? Are you a hammer or a knife? Maybe you're a wet blanket or doormat? Whether you're too controlling, too harsh or too wishy-washy in your responses, one healthy aspect of communication is to ask some clarifying questions about what has been shared. Clears up some miscommunications, shows interest and builds confidence all around.

Q. What do you want to say? It's a simple question but important. Complaining, bickering, whining... even you don't want to hear this. Whether you have musical input, equipment thoughts, financial questions, travel input, direction and art and dreams and addiction and roles and, etc. know what you want to share or ask before opening your mouth.

1. Be clear in your input, question or comment. Clarity is key.

2. What are your expectations? Are you willing to meet in the middle, let it go, get shot down or let it sit for a future discussion?

3. Listen to their responses. Sound familiar? Seek feedback, ask clarifying follow up Q's, clarify your own position if asked (without defensiveness).

4. End with clarity and action. Clarify the final position(s) and set a goal: plan a final decision, do research, grab a coffee, invite more input, move forward by next Monday... whatever the next step is, make it clear.

5. Be proactive and positive in your next steps. And if your input was rejected, be proactive and positive in the agreed on direction - then try again with your next idea.

Listen, even the best of mates need some healthy communication guides. Ask yourself, is this band worth the time and energy of developing some better habits? No matter how cheesy or corporate, is it worth it?

Pick one aspect above and give it a try. Or make it super simple and just Listen - Echo - Share repeat.

Start with your own patient skills in communicating and grow from there.

Looking for some outside coaching and connection on communication, listening or action steps? Let's grab a virtual coffee before your next band convo.

Stay tuned for the next Bandcamp.

THREE: Get Physical

No, this isn't a reprise of Olivia Newton-John's masterpiece. And to be honest, this is one that's worth some attention beyond the quarantine. You and I, we’re designed to be active and engaged in some form of physical activity. Not only do our bodies need that long-board ride after dinner, but our minds and our spirits need it, too.

"But I'm an artist, not a jock. I throw words and clay, not soccer balls!" Want to throw words with greater clarity? Want some fresh motivation for that next pot? Put down the bagel and the beret and go for a run.

It was nearly two weeks after launching into a morning workout before I noticed the shift. A clearer mind. A faster start to getting words on screen. That victorious feeling with each new productive day. Even a spiritual peace about the role of writing in my schedule and in my life.

I know, I know this sounds more and more like an infomercial, but seriously, exercise has raised the bar on my routine of sitting down with a cup of black coffee, some quiet time in the Word like Angelou or Lewis, a bit of journaling and ultimately my daily writing session. And all before the kids rise to storm our Foursquare. No doubt it's also been a grounding rhythm during this extended time at home.

Q. How are you staying active during this altered season?

Q. What do you think about diving into something simple for a start? An evening walk, short ride around the neighborhood, some early morning exercise to Olivia's super-hit.

Q. If a little exercise, walk or bike ride could guarantee a shift in your creative output in the coming months, would you take it on?

Even if you're anti-workout, maybe you're ready for a fruitful shift in your creative clarity, your creative habits. Do some research. Find out what your favorite singer-songwriters, authors and artists do to stay active and inspired... then give it a shot.