Jerry Fenter

I’ve been reading lots of lists of New Years Resolutions and would like to share my own strange list of suggested resolutions for artists, writers and all those outrageous creative types who walk daily on the rough path towards creative meaning.  Take them or leave them but I’ve tried all of them at one time or another and found them invigorating and inspiring. They will really get those juices flowing. Trust me. These are in no specific order. 

1. Take some of your supposedly awful ideas…long rejected…and transform them into a miracle piece. Rework it. (Terrible ideas…don’t you just love those?) Do this at least twice this year.    

2. Set aside a whole day: No plans, no responsibilities. Start driving, biking or walking. Go in unexpected and random directions. Document your day with photos, sketches and odd memorabilia. Do this at least once a month. Warning: This may bring lots of new ideas into your brain. Welcome them, write them down, sketch them, remember them and maybe even sing them.

 3. If  rejections make you crazy (I know this is true of all of us) do this. Write an incredibly cold and generic rejection letter to that irritating gallery owner, book publisher, juried show, reviewer or person that has pissed you off in the past. Explain why you won’t sell any artwork /stories/songs/books to them, no matter how much money or fame they might offer. Make it clear that they are not worthy of your talent. No amount of compensation will change your mind. The price to them will always be too high! Don’t mail it.  Treasure it.   

4. Nourish your childish enthusiasm each day of the year. For instance read a small part of a favorite childhood book, look at your old view master discs, notice smells and tastes that remind you of the good parts of being a child. Buy a hula hoop.  

 5. Give away things, without hesitation, to someone who does need them at the time. You can do this anonymously.                                               

6. Share your talent for free with at least one person per month.

7. Spend a whole day without speaking. Try this once a month. Warn your family and friends.

 8. Look for signs during all of the seasons.

9. Be discerning in who you choose to spend time with. Don’t waste your own precious time with unworthy people.

10. Paint, draw, joke, laugh, write, sing, talk and laugh as much as you can.

11. Write, draw or tape a long personal letter. Send one of these to a special person each month. Enclose a picture, photo or clipping that makes you laugh, cry or ponder.

12. Actively acknowledge the people and animals that you love each and every day.

13. Celebrate your birthday for at least a whole week but always try for the longest celebration you can negotiate.

14. Tired and crabby from over creativity? Curl up in your new Snuggie and watch Law and Order, Criminal Minds or Top Chef to rest your brain and renew your energy. (Other programs on TV can be substituted but they must be mindless and must not make you think). Mad Men is a must see. Artists need to be up to date on the latest cultural happenings, news and weird trends. Artists are the canaries in the mine shaft. That is why it’s important to read and watch as much as you can.  Become familiar with more of the world than your own little space.  Expand your thinking.

15. Find yourself an incredible mentor or creativity coach if you need help on your path.

As I re-read my list I realize it’s a little crazy, sometimes too sentimental and sometimes a little cruel. But I guess so am I. Have a good new year. This list is dedicated to one of the craziest and most influential people I’ve ever known.  He was a loved and respected professor and mentor to me.

Don Berry 1931-2001

Find out more about him at donberry.com and berryworks.

One of my many addictions is any kind of circus movie.  I’ve been this way since I was about seven years old and lived in NE Portland.  I could be doing the most important piece of painting or writing ever and yet if a circus movie comes on TV, especially a channel without commercials, I drop my brush or pen and make a dash for my little lounge chair (Chairy Two Electric Boog-a-Loo)[1], with a coke and some snacks.

I’ll let you in on a secret.  When I was little I had a trapeze in my backyard hanging from our old apple tree.  When my mom wasn’t looking I’d do as many tricks as you can do hanging from a trapeze that is only about five feet off the ground.  As usual I was fearless so I especially liked to hang from my knees and swing as high as I could.  I also could hang from my ankles, even though it hurt a little.  I totally planned on being a trapeze artist in the circus when I grew up.  But of course I was terrified of clowns.

A couple of nights ago I saw that Turner Classic Movies had a Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis movie on called “Trapeze”.  Oh my God this has always been one of my favorite circus movies. The music started and I was hooked.  Burt and Tony were cast as flyers.[2]  Burt was a catcher who had been a flier but who had been injured badly prior to the opening of the movie.  He walked with a cane and was always gazing sadly at the trapezes like a lost puppy dog.  He had once been the world’s best flyer but now injured and alone he was depressed.  Then along came Tony.  He was young, he was athletic and in tights or skins as we say it in the circus biz. He was looking a little more gay than usual.  Burt watched him fly.  He was oozing with talent.  They paired up.  They would be the first act ever to complete a triple.[3] This is where the fun begins.  Tony is flying and Burt is catching and everything’s great and their near a triple when another character, a real heartbreaker, Gina Lollobrigida, makes her sequined entrance. Wow she has a pair on her and they are real.  She flirts with both boys and I won’t be the spoiler but they all go through some rough patches.  The film is alive with elephants, roaring lions, white horses (with obvious painted on black spots), freaks, geeks and even clowns.  One scene should be in the classic movie shots hall of fame.  It’s when Tony and Burt are walking down a wet street in Paris after leaving the “Des Artes” bar when all of a sudden. Flip!  They are both walking and fading into the distance on their HANDS!  You gotta see it.  Time passed without me knowing it.  I’d give this movie five stars. You can take the girl out of the circus but you’ll never take the circus out of the girl.

Hey, I saw five eagles today on trees above Stinson Flats.  Could it be a sign?