Friday, November 21, 2008

.:And we'll grow kindness in our hearts for all the strangers among us until there are no strangers anymore:.

The past few days have been a whirlwind for me as we have been preparing for the East Austin Studio Tour, and they have definitely been worth it. I was stressed out last week a little bit, but then I calmed down and remained calm until tonight. I lost it a little bit, and Matt called me on it, which I was mad about but realized afterward he was right. It has definitely been a learning experience, but I can gladly say that 98% of the time, I have been extremely excited. I'm not sure I will be able to sleep tonight because of my anticipation for tomorrow. It's going to be huge, I can feel it.

Last night, I was thinking about how this place, Space12, has become this incredible symbol in the lives of those who have enabled its transformation. It once was this place that was filled with illegal activity, dangerous situations, and very unfortunate endings for some. The neighborhood around it was shaped by it in ways. But now, now that it has turned into this great space to have social gatherings, neighborhood meetings, barbeques, birthday parties, swing dance nights, etc., it is truly humbling to see the response of those who were involved in its former state. It is also pretty incredible to see our community at Vox come together, offer our talents to one another, help each other, and put together this wonderful weekend of glistening talent - free to the public. It is truly beautiful. I simply cannot believe I am apart of something this amazing.

I had always hoped I could be some sort of part of something huge one day. I've been told my entire life that I was meant for great things, and I think that I've believed it for the majority of that time, and that notion has driven me to where I am today. I had never expected this, though. It has brought me to tears lately, which really isn't that hard to do, truth be told. However, it moves me that I am but 22 years old and I have a small hand in such an incredible thing that gives back to the community and the art world as a whole. I can only hope that people can be inspired by the things they view this weekend, the artists they speak to about their work, and the transformation of some of the spaces on the East side to art venues and the like.

All I have to say is damn, it feels good to be a gangsta.
And thank you. You know who you are.

1 comment:

A Bookish Woman said...

I think you need to tell me more of the backstory of this, because I don't know quite what you're talking about... :) I shall call you soon.