Art is everything blog
Art is Everything: The Motto That Defines My Work
As an artist, the phrase “Art is Everything” has become my guiding principle. It’s more than a motto—it’s a way of understanding the world and embracing the creative process in all aspects of life. To me, art isn’t confined to galleries or museums; it’s not just something we create, it’s something we live. Art is woven into every part of our existence, and this belief shapes not only how I work but how I view the world around me.
Art in Everything We Use
A lot of people don’t realize that almost everything in our world is designed. Your house, your car, the games you play—even the device you’re reading this on—was imagined, designed, and created by a creative person, an artist. Every product, system, and structure we interact with started as an idea in someone’s mind, brought to life by their creativity. This is why I say “Art is Everything”—because creativity is at the foundation of everything we use and experience. Recognizing this makes me appreciate the unseen artistry that shapes our daily lives and inspires me to contribute my own work to this legacy.
The Boundlessness of Creativity
This motto also reflects my belief that creativity knows no boundaries. Art doesn’t have to stay on a canvas or in a frame. It exists in how we design spaces, how we dress, how we organize our communities, and how we solve problems. My own work often crosses disciplines—painting, installation, performance, and design—because I believe art is not limited to traditional definitions. Once you embrace the idea that art is everything, the possibilities for what it can be become limitless. also, I believe everyone is creative in something even the accountant has to be creative with the numbers lol.
Art as a Universal Connector
Another reason I live by this motto is that art connects us. It’s a universal language that bridges cultures, generations, and experiences. Through my work, I strive to create pieces that resonate on a human level, whether I’m celebrating Gullah Geechee culture, exploring themes of time and renewal with my signature drips, or using reclaimed materials to bring new life to something forgotten. Art allows us to see the world through each other’s eyes, breaking down barriers and building bridges.
When I say “Art is Everything,” I’m also asking people to notice the creativity all around them. From the architecture of the buildings we live in to the technology we use, so much of what surrounds us was imagined by someone. Artists, designers, and creative thinkers have shaped the world we live in, often invisibly, and their contributions deserve recognition. My work as an artist is to bring that awareness to light—to help people see the artistry in their everyday lives and appreciate the beauty and thought behind the objects and systems they interact with.
By embracing the philosophy “Art is Everything,”I hope to inspire others to see art not just as something to consume or admire, but as a fundamental part of who we are and how we live. Because when you truly understand that art is everything, you open yourself up to endless possibilities—and that’s where the magic -creativity-begins.
Why I Call Myself an Interdisciplinary Artist
As an artist, I’ve often been asked why I describe myself as an “interdisciplinary artist.” It’s a term that resonates deeply with me because it captures the essence of how I approach my practice—not confined by a single medium or process, but instead exploring multiple disciplines to tell richer, more layered stories. To me, being an interdisciplinary artist means allowing myself the freedom to combine painting, sculpture, design, and installation, weaving them together in ways that challenge traditional boundaries of what art can be.
A Reflection of Life’s Complexity
Life itself is interdisciplinary. We don’t live in isolated categories—our experiences, cultures, and identities are complex and multifaceted. My art reflects that reality. By blending materials, methods, and influences, I aim to create work that feels as layered as the world around us. For example, when I use reclaimed wood as a canvas, it’s not just a material choice—it’s a statement about sustainability, memory, and transformation. That bag discarded, now holds a story that intertwines with the narrative I’m creating in my art.
The Power of Collaboration
Being interdisciplinary also allows me to collaborate across fields. I’ve worked on projects that combine visual art with performance, education, and community engagement. These collaborations bring new perspectives to my work, pushing me to think beyond the confines of a single medium. For example, live painting in front of an audience isn’t just about creating an artwork—it’s about creating an experience, a moment where the energy of the crowd becomes part of the piece.
Expanding Creative Possibilities
I don’t see mediums as separate silos; I see them as tools in a larger toolbox. A painting might include elements of collage, sculpture, or even textiles. My love for action painting, for instance, often intersects with the textures of reclaimed materials or the fluidity of dripped paint, signifying themes like time and renewal. This blending allows me to expand my creative possibilities and say things that wouldn’t be possible within the confines of a single discipline.
Breaking Down Barriers
Calling myself an interdisciplinary artist is also a way of challenging the gatekeeping that can exist in the art world. Too often, artists are expected to fit into neatly defined boxes—painter, sculptor, or illustrator. But art is about exploration, and I don’t want to limit myself or my audience. By working across disciplines, I hope to create work that resonates with people on multiple levels, breaking down barriers between mediums and making art more accessible and inclusive.
A Reflection of My Journey
Ultimately, the term “interdisciplinary artist” reflects my personal journey. It speaks to the many influences, materials, and processes I’ve embraced along the way. From my early explorations of traditional painting to my current practice incorporating reclaimed materials, live performance, and cultural storytelling, my work has always been about crossing boundaries and finding new ways to communicate.
Being an interdisciplinary artist isn’t just about how I create—it’s about how I think, how I connect with others, and how I see the world. It’s a term that reminds me to stay curious, stay open, and keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Reclaimed brown bag series
7 Ways I Stay Creative (Even When I Don't Feel Like It :-)
Amiri Geuka Farris
Here are seven steps that will help make you more creative!
1. Make Time for Creative Activities If you want to be creative, you need to make time for creative activities. This means setting aside time each day, or each week, to focus on your creative pursuits
2. Set Some Structure While it’s important to have some time that is unstructured and free for creative exploration, it can also be helpful to set some structure for your creative endeavors. This could mean setting a goal for each creative session, or having a specific project in mind that you want to complete. I find that if I have too much structure, I start to feel constricted and my creativity suffers. But if I have no structure at all, I can often get lost and end up wasting time. So, I like to find a happy medium
3. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone It’s easy to get stuck in a rut and end up doing the same thing over and over again. If you want to stay creative, it’s important to push yourself out of your comfort zone and try new things. I like to do this by Challenging myself to use new materials, or to experiment with techniques that are outside of my comfort zone. For example, if I normally use acrylic paint, I might challenge myself to use collage material. Or, if I’m comfortable with painting, I might try my hand at sculpture. By pushing myself to try new things, I ensure that my creativity stays alive and well.
4. Be Curious Curiosity is a great way to stay creative. If you’re curious about something, you’re more likely to want to explore it and to find new ways to approach it. I like to be curious about everything. I’ll often find myself asking “what if” questions, or wondering how something works. This curiosity leads me to new ideas and new ways of thinking.
5. Be Persistent Creativity doesn’t always come easy. There will be times when you feel like you’ve hit a wall and you can’t seem to come up with anything new. If you want to stay creative, you need to be persistent. I like to remind myself that these creative blocks are only temporary. I know that if I keep working, eventually something will click and I’ll be back on track. I also find it helpful to take a break when I’m feeling stuck. I’ll step away from my work for a little while and come back later with fresh eyes.
6. Be Open to Feedback and critiques it important to be open to feedback if you want to stay creative. This feedback can come from yourself, from others, or from the world around you. I’ll take note of the reactions that my work elicits, both positive and negative. This can help me to see what is and isn’t working and to make adjustments accordingly.
7. Take Care of Yourself If you want to stay creative, it’s important to take care of yourself. This means getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising. It also means taking breaks when you need them usually I get inspired by these time out or walk.
So stay cool and make art!
Unleashing Creativity with New Materials: can spark Artistic Innovation
As artists, we are constantly seeking new ways to push our creative boundaries and express our unique perspectives. One of the most exciting ways to spark fresh ideas is by experimenting with new materials. Exploring different mediums and textures can inspire unexpected discoveries, challenge traditional approaches, and breathe new life into our work.
Why Experimenting with New Materials Matters
In the ever-evolving world of art, staying inspired requires a willingness to step outside of our comfort zones. Introducing unfamiliar materials into our creative process allows us to engage with our work in a more tactile and experimental way. Whether it’s incorporating natural fibers, recycled elements, or innovative synthetic materials, each new addition brings with it unique properties that can alter the way we approach composition, color, and form.
I created this piece, entitled, circle spark
from objects, found around my studio. I love using comic books, paint, tape and other found object objects to create works that are more three-dimensional and tactile!
Tips for Incorporating New Materials into Your Practice
• Start Small: Introduce one new material at a time to understand how it interacts with your existing mediums.
• Experiment Freely: Let go of expectations and allow the process to guide you toward unexpected outcomes.
• Seek Inspiration: Explore how other artists are using innovative materials and draw inspiration from their techniques.
• Document Your Process: Keeping track of experiments with photos and notes can help refine your approach and uncover recurring themes.
By embracing new materials , artists can continue to evolve their creative expression and keep their work fresh, dynamic, and meaningful. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting your creative journey, experimenting with innovative materials is an exciting way to expand your artistic horizons.
Stay tuned for more insights and creative tips on how to enrich your artistic practice with fresh ideas and materials!
“Creativity is the bridge between vision and reality—stay cool, embrace the process, and make art that inspires. Everyone sees the world differently and creates uniquely through their creative eye, so celebrate your individuality. If your style looks different, let it shine—be original, always.”