The Art of Redemption and The Power of Moving Onward

This past week I started production on a documentary with artist Darrel Johnston. So far, it has been an amazing time--to say the least. I often talk about how filmmaking for me is such a selfish process. While I am committed to producing high quality work and telling stories that will hopefully inspire others to action or mere reflection, I really find myself doing what I do to satisfy my own curiosity.

When I was younger I used to do things, sadly, to impress others. I found myself looking at fads and what was in, and the latest trends in writing and film, and slowly I started to drift with the flow of traffic. Fortunately, it didn't last too long, and I made my way back on to my own path.

I won't lie. Doing my "own thing" hasn't always been easy or lucrative, and I have actually had people question my work (and my direction) because it wasn't a money-making endeavor. It wasn't leading me towards a feasible place where I could sustain a living. I was all over the place. What was I? A filmmaker? A Writer? A Playwright? A Photographer? A Teacher? A Journalist? I had my work called a "hobby" and nothing more. For a while it rubbed me the wrong way, but I ultimately shut out the naysayers and the doubters and pretty much any and all input. Truth is, I was ALL those things, and I still am. Thank God.

I have never tried to pigeonhole myself into a fancy label, or job title. I just did what felt right at the time, and now at 40 years old, I can see that everything is finally starting to converge and make sense. I am not defined now, by any means. I am just a lot of things, and those things make up the whole. And the things I do enable me to showcase my life force.

Which brings me back to Darrel Johnston, the subject of my documentary.

Darrel has taught me so much about life, like so many of my subjects. I am inspired (and always have been) by those who are able to push forward despite unfortunate circumstances in life. Darrel has done just that, and in doing so, he has created amazing art sculptures.

If you have somehow connected here with what it feels like to have been pushed aside or doubted or questioned or laughed at, block out those voices right now and listen to your heart. Follow your passion--even if it's not marketable. Don't get me wrong: Be smart, do what you have to do to put food on your plate and a roof over your head, but never give up. Never.

Move onward every day in the direction of your dreams or you will never forgive yourself.