On Seeing Each Other
This recognition of my artistry is validating to experience, undoubtedly, and especially in the midst of the, uh, existential panic that can come with living outside of the lines.
When I was serving at a restaurant in Hudson Yards, a lady said to me, “I hope you don’t mind this, but what’s your deal? I’m trying to figure you out.”
I told her I wrote music. She replied, “I knew it. You don’t belong here.”
Some friends and I went to a small music festival this past Sunday. I was waiting to retrieve my coat from coat check when an artist that had just performed came up to me saying, “It’s good to see another artist.” An interaction that lasted no more than two minutes, we spoke about the industry. I put my coat on and wished him luck.
This recognition of my artistry is validating to experience, undoubtedly, and especially in the midst of the, uh, existential panic that can come with living outside of the lines.
But it’s not like an artist is more radiant than any other. We’re all searching for those that are similar to us.
I see my job as an artist as a translator. To take my experiences and paint them into something that sings on a shiny platter, in hopes that people add salt and pepper until it tastes like it was made for them. Is it just that artist’s spot me because they walk around with a heightened sensitivity? Is it that we’re hyper-aware, emotional rollercoasters (both the track and the car) that can’t help but feel the complexity of the world in our blood?
No, I think this has almost nothing to do with being an artist. I think this is part of the human condition, one that too many of us no longer tap into due to the ever-growing tech world and social media, both perpetuating the loneliness epidemic.
When we put down our screens, the highlight reels, the photos of “friends” that we actually couldn’t care less about, could we actually see each other?
I believe we can. The Protagonist Festival, a melting pot of New York creativity, is a mini-festival that asks us to see each other. Featuring vendors, comics, poets, and songwriters, our next event is in Hudson Yards on January 24th to celebrate our stories, ready on a platter to sprinkle with salt and pepper, or thyme, if you roll that way.
A celebration of New York creativity for people of all walks of life to pick each other out and say, “I knew it. You belong here.”
Tickets can be purchased here.
