Some of us are feeling powerless lately. Or that the power we thought we held has been overrun by others. I’m one of those people. And while I won’t go into any details, or get into the nitty-gritty of why, I’m sure you can guess.

So I decided to think instead about a phrase I’ve used several times while talking about my book: Art has power.

The Power of Art

As I talked about a few weeks ago when we went to the local art museum, art has been an inspiration in my life in so many ways. And that theme was pivotal to The Mark of the Artist. In the story, Sebastian Albright is shocked when his own power (autonomy?) is taken by his father who wanted Sebastian to create paintings that could be sold for large sums of money. When his father does this, and also gets rid of the woman he loves, Sebastian chooses his own destiny and gets the hell out of there.

Later, Sebastian learns that his special talent is more than creating beautiful scenes. There is power in the art he creates 🖼️:

“Sebastian, understand me,” he placed his hand on Sebastian’s shoulder. “You possess a talent I crave…a truth of form I cannot convey.”

~Argento, The Mark of the Artist

Argento, the mysterious mentor for the young artist, helps Sebastian learn that his own creations can lead to great things.

Our Own Power

Artists for time immemorial have used their own mediums to make statements, change minds, and communicate values. Stories were told on the walls of Egyptian tombs and buildings with hieroglyphs and paintings. Statues of rulers stood in ancient Rome to showcase their power. The Mona Lisa even had something to say, though we may never really know what it was 😉.

Rosie the Riveter told all women that “We can do it!” (even today, as you can see above 💪). Uncle Sam wanted you to help America’s cause. And Smokey the Bear showed us that we can help prevent wildfires 🐻.

This leads me on to my next thought: can artists today make any difference?

Using My Power

I for one refuse to believe that the end is nigh, that this is it, throw in the towel and laydown and let the world run me over. What does that tell my children if I just said nope, I give up! Someday they may need to stand up and demand changes, too.

So then what can a writer do? Well, This! Using my words to talk about things. ✍️My passion for the environment, helping the disadvantaged and my local community—my pen will be mighty! And as cheesy as this may sound, I plan to spread Hope 🩵 where I can. Even if that’s only by writing fun, adventurous, magical stories for people to enjoy.

All of us have a power. Perhaps not as magical as Sebastian’s, of course, but power nonetheless.

Do you paint? Write? Play an instrument? Make videos? Volunteer? Help your neighbor? Donate to a cause? Talk to your friends/family/children? Any of these things will have an impact—maybe small, maybe large—who knows. But anytime we use our voices we are using our power.

I’ll end with these lyrics from The Moody Blues’ song I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band):

A thousand pictures can be drawn from one word
Only who is the artist
We got to agree

I’ll keep on reminding myself of this. I hope you do, too. 🩵🖼️