An Invitation...

You are invited on a journey. And like any good journey, the map is not entirely clear as to where we are headed, or maybe we are just not skilled enough at reading the map yet. Nonetheless, the thing that has become clear is this journey is primarily about carving out spaces where common people, in common communities, can be freed to create art that makes our individual, personal stories common property. I need to hear your story and I need to hear it at a slant. I need your story to dazzle me, to wake me up. Emily Dickenson gets at this truth in her poem “Tell all the truth but tell it slant.”

Tell all the truth but tell it slant —

Success in Circuit lies

Too bright for our infirm Delight

The Truth's superb surprise

As Lightning to the Children eased

With explanation kind

The Truth must dazzle gradually

Or every man be blind —

Good art tells the truth but tells it at a slant. What is the truth you have been aching to share? Share it, but share it slant. What is the story you have been dreaming to tell? Tell it, but tell it slant. What is the melody that you have been yearning to sing? Sing it, but sing it slant. What is the vision you have been waiting to draw? Draw it, but draw it slant. Our stories are the only compass we need to start this journey; will you share, tell, sing, and draw your story?