In Response to Adam Smith's Blog Post "Why I chose to be a Conscientious Objector"
Originally sent on July 16, 2008. To see the post responded to, please click this link.
Dear Adam,
I'm the one that sent you the letter via e-mail. I just read what you wrote on your MySpace page. I also read your Blog on why you chose to be a "Conscientious Objector". I just got some few insights from what you wrote. I got carried away and decided to write this.
Anyway, I find it very ironic and at the same time somewhat relevant that an artist would be involved with the army – be it by choice or otherwise. I also find it admirable that you filed that objection yet still remained to complete your contract.
I believe "Art" is subjective, an ancient Chinese general viewed war as so. If Sun Tzu found art in his strategies, execution and success – maybe he also found satisfaction in its creation. Very much similar to what we artists feel – that sweet-satisfaction we get in creating a piece of art, regardless of the scale. I personally have created small detailed works, as well as bigger ones. When done, I just feel complete and set for the day. Though this is a relatively "small" feat – it just feels so right. I have worked as a laborer during my travels, I practically lifted heavy stuff to feed myself. At the end of the day – that feeling of satisfaction would match that feeling I'd get in completing that small piece of art. 1 day hard labor = 1 small piece of Art.
I read somewhere that at one point in Japanese history, Samurai warriors were not just regarded for their skill in combat - but were regarded equally for their artistic abilities. Be it in calligraphy, art or poetry. I guess this is where the Taoist philosophy of the Yin and Yang actually comes in. The Samurai warrior having the ability to take and destroy, at the same time having the equal ability to give and create. This complex/harmonious balance makes them truly remarkable human beings. Maintaining this balance will keep them sane and complete.
Those 19th century philosophers you were referring to are all full of s**t! An artist should suffer in order to create? Personally, I have had a substantial degree of experience, because I am a seeker of LIFE. Judgmental people who would rather stereotype and brand me a bohemian for my seemingly "vicarious" lifestyle. Well, f**k them! they just fear what they do not understand and would rather label an individual to assure their own place in society. I am just a person that knows how to live. This I take pride in, should they label me, they should do so as a "connoisseur of life". These collective experiences, be it good or otherwise, makes me create. I feed myself visually, emotionally, mentally and even physically and allow these to naturally inspire me to create in any medium I choose. Prerequisite to being a great artist or musician? LIFE. If Picasso, Bob Marley and Jesus did not LIVE - they would have no story to tell. Plain and simple.
I have traveled moderately(At least in third-world standards, nothing compared to your travels and experiences that go with military service), as it is relatively difficult for Filipinos to travel(Mostly financial reasons), and to acquire VISAs(Credibility reasons, this is THE Philippines. I'm sure being in the US army you would know why. But I am sure as an open-minded person, you would know that the stigma is relative). I am fortunate to have traveled as a result of me being a part of the Philippine Dragon Boat Team. We won the GOLD in Hong Kong, competed in Macau and eventually found ourselves in Australia last year. I was based in this island called Boracay most of the time. To think I started off as a dishwasher/laborer/cook, got fired for(in my opinion) unfair reasons, then found myself "adopted" by the remaining and near extinct "gods" of the island. The artists, musicians, local philosophers and the true torchbearers of culture - slowly being displaced by the islands eventual gentrification. I still consider myself fortunate, at least their culture and knowledge was imparted to me. That energy, I believe, was responsible for the adventures and success that followed.
As for my music and Art. They are currently at the backseat - but they are number one in my priorities. All those opportunities I've encountered have been directly or indirectly brought about because of my passion for my craft. I get hired on the basis of me being a musician or as an artist. My Boracay job was acquired since the owner was patron the electronic music scene. I was given the opportunity to work there so I could experience the lifestyle, It took me less than a month to find the right people to associate with, and they have been of enormous help in my development as an artist. Another example: I bagged my current job through a guitarists' cousin. She's connected with this UK company and she asked her British boss(He runs the London Art Club) to hire me. She vouched for me - as she knew me enough and believed that I would be driven by my passion. I have worked in a corporate setting for my first job - hated it and had to quit after 3 years. But after working as a laborer, dive shop assistant, call center agent, cook and hash dealer, not to mention trained for months as a world-class athlete - going back to a corporate setting was easy, as I have worked for less doing grueling, sometimes dangerous physical tasks for a living. Now, I am practically just using my brain to generate a small income. I have been able to purchase my recording equipment as a result.
You mentioned that it is a pimp/ho' scenario in the Art industry, just the same in the music biz. Well, in my opinion? This is the 21st century. Why live up to the "starving artist" stigma? F**k them all! Think Yin and Yang, Art and Business, Intelligence and Street-wit combined. We "artists" - no, CONNOISSEURS OF LIFE, the true essence and practitioners of humanity will not be put down by those collective entities, those vampires that feed on our hard-lived and hard-earned energies. We have evolved now, we are beyond them.
-I.J.-
