In yesterday’s adventures in funemployment, my good friend treated me to lunch in the Rincon Center, a former post office turned into a fancy food court. One entrance still retains the original art deco decor. It’s beautiful to witness, especially the series of murals that run along the perimeter of the upper-walls that depict the history of California. I remember the first time I actually looked at the murals, I tried to locate all the Asian faces. You’d think we’d be in a good majority of them, but we’re relegated to mostly one and a half panels. Oh, how history rewrites itself, even in art.
My friend — one of those who’s blessed with looks, smarts, and talent — had a lot weighing heavily on her mind. Primarily, we discussed the artist’s path to becoming an artist full-time. She’s a musician, but also a lawyer. She wants to be the former, but the latter provides greater stability.
BOY could I empathize.
I didn’t really have much advice to give, except to believe in yourself as an artist and just do it. I shared how often we are fearful of failure, but in some ways, we’re also more scared of success and the work that needs to be done to get it. It took me the longest time to identify as an “actor” when strangers asked me what my profession was because I never felt good enough or didn’t feel like I had done enough. It was safer to say that I worked a 9-5 because that’s what was stable and what made the money and what I was “good at” according to my year end reviews.
Fuck that. I am an actor. I am a singer. I am a dance floor warrior. GRRRRR…
I also shared that it is dangerous to start asking people what they think of her music. There’s a pretty thin line between constructive criticism and subjective opinions so asking that question to just anybody opens way too many doors for the haters. We agreed that there are some things that you can objectively weigh like your proficiency at an instrument or vocal technique (to a degree), but there is only one YOU. You got to do you and trust that what you’re offering to this world is truly, wholly unique.
Now. Time to take my own advice.
Will Dao 