There aren't a lot of Rotarians with Artist listed as their occupation. Is that because artists can't meet the financial pressures? Some maybe. Is it because artists aren't perceived to be big contributors to their communities? Maybe. Is there some other reason? Probably.

Whatever the case, I thought I'd give you this artist's take on life, the universe, and his place in it. I'll start with a question that every serious artist has to be clear on: What value does art bring to its society? Non-artists (and some artists also) will often say that art brings more beauty into the world. And that certainly can be the case. Others might say that it's a purely narcissistic ego stroke and something to relegate to unproductive time. I'm not so hot on that definition.

Let's give the question a little context. Think back to all the great world civilizations. Usually for English-speakers, it's the Roman empire that pops out first. Why? Because we can see it all over Europe. We see its sculptures and remnants of its engineering projects. They have left a mark that says, 'this represents Rome'. Notice that it's their big structural feats, and their art that endures.

Art is what's left over after an era comes to a close; it's the physical and emotional trace of what was. And while the era is taking place, art at its most successful manifests a sublime sense of where thought and cultural progress is or is headed. It's from this basis that I am an artist.

I'm an artist in that I produce art. With my art I am constantly striving for the sublime, and to reflect on the world around me as it is or as it could be. Beyond that, art is my way of life. It's about living in alignment with the principles that I believe in. It's about communicating with the world around me, through my art, in person, in words scribbled on paper or typed into a computer - in every way I can conceive.

Then, I suppose the question comes around to those principles that I believe in. I believe in the personal freedoms - thought, expression, association. I believe that creation is far more powerful than destruction (but often more difficult). I believe in diversity (of skills, education, cultural background, socio-economic strata...) and that my ideal world is one in which the playing field is open and just. I also believe that everyone has a responsibility in whatsoever society they choose to identify, to be active contributors. This to me is an extension of Rotary's service above self.

So, what does an artist contribute? We are among the many builders that reflect and expand on our societies. We contribute to our society's history. More generally, we are individuals with our own roles to play within our larger society.

And this artist? I'm committed to leaving this world a more just, egalitarian, and open-minded place than I was born into. Can I do any of that alone? Somewhat, but the power of one is always limited. Thus, through and outside of my art, I am a champion of my principles, and I work with others to help build the dream.