If you know
me at all or have bothered to read a post or two on this thing I’m calling a
blog, you know that I grew up feeling like a misfit and it made for a
difficult, unhappy childhood. Elementary
school should be nothing but good times and laughter for all kids. Outside of getting the coodies every now and
then, it really should be fun for everyone.
High school is a time when we’re trying to flex our independence a bit
with later curfews and self chauffeuring.
We might even get a job to find out what it’s like to earn our own
money. These four years are filled with
experiences that are meant to mold and prep us for the supposed ‘real world’
(which is nothing like MTV, btw). And
for those that choose higher education, the years spent at university can be
some of the wildest, most exhilarating times you’ll ever see. Complete independence, making your own
decisions, failing or succeeding at your own hand, finding out who you are and
gaining precious intellect the whole while.
Great times. Or at least they
should be. And this isn’t my sob story,
because I know I’m not alone, but they weren’t awesome times for me. Elementary…high school…college…it wasn’t
great, and there are several reasons why, but a lot had to do with the fact
that I just really never “fit” and I couldn’t understand why. Everyone would be eager about going left when
I wanted to go right. The vast majority
found enjoyment in things that literally got on my last nerve. The masses seemed to have the same likes,
dislikes, values, and integrity. Then
there was me. Sore thumb me. But in an effort to not be the odd man out, I
did everything in my power to adopt their ways – feeling unfulfilled the whole
time. It was awful, and I would end up
being disgusted with myself and embarrassed at my behavior. Let me see if I can get to my point here…
Moving to Los Angeles, surrounding
myself with other artists, has shown me that I’m not alone. And believe you me, I used to hate people
that used their artistry as an excuse to act a fool, be eccentric, or obviously
odd for no apparent reason. All the “craziness”
seemed pointless and I swore they were nothing more than shameless attention
whores. And a few of them may be, but
the majorities aren’t. Most of them are
individuals that are being true to their true selves and living without fear,
shame, or regret.
I’m getting
there – or at least trying.
OK – to my
point. I was speaking with my brother,
Justin Key, on Sunday and we discussed the importance of artists surrounding
themselves with other artists. Your
closest friends should be artists. Your
lover and most trusted confidant should be an artist. And Justin and I both agree that this is a
bold statement, and it’s one that is frequently discussed amongst creative
people. But the point is, as an artist you
have a better chance of being completely understood if you’re surrounded by other
creative people. There will be less need
for explaining yourself to death; they’ll just “get it.” And what a wonderful feeling – to be “gotten.” It really doesn’t get much better. When you say that something is a part of your
“process” they just get it. When you say
that you have to get away for a bit, they just get it. When you change the color of your hair six
times in a twelve month period – they get it.
Everyone deserves to be understood.
Everyone deserves to have a sense of belonging. Take this post as gospel or with a grain of
salt (whatever that means), but if you’re a creative person, chances are you
know exactly what I’m talking about.
Find those people that celebrate your quirks and I guarantee life will
become less of a chore.
My name is
Jasmynne Shaye, and this is me STEPPING
ON A FEW TOES.
