I originally began this week’s blog with eloquent and descriptive words describing my recent experience at a casting party. I started writing about the ubiquitous rumble and vibration from the underground furnace; watching the large graphite crucible slowly lifted away from the yellow-green flame… But all that escapes me now as the global community comes together in remembrance of an innovative champion.
We are all truly humbled by the passing of the iconic visionary and co-founder of Apple, Steve Jobs. “The world has lost an amazing human being” Apple wrote, and they couldn’t be more correct. The internet is alive with photos, recollections, notes, blogs, articles, tweets and status updates in memory of a creative genius. I’ve often spoken of the fantastic simplicity and creative artistry of Apple and the products and the global community agrees. The departure of such an inspiring mentor to so many has affected us on the deepest levels.
I see clearly what I spoke of last week. I see communities and individuals coming together as one through social media and their connections to each other simply grow stronger. Many, who never knew him in person even, consider this passing as great as losing a family member or dear friend. Our ties to each other become more evident through our creative expressions and what we offer the world. Mr. Jobs offered a unique vision that he was not afraid to share and the world loved him for it.
The ‘art’ of Apple is in the hands and homes of millions of human beings. The sleek machinery has been a staging point for other innovative and creative individuals to piggy-back on for years. The technology is an art form in itself in design and appeal. Millions of artists rely on their devices (as do I) to create, express and share their visions. Between my children’s iPods, my iMac the iPad and iPhone I wish someone would buy me, my house alone uses their products every day. I edit my photography projects, design my websites and create limitless art almost daily thanks to Apple. Not to mention the billions of apps that have been downloaded to date – giving artists a chance to create new mediums, from games, to educational apps, to ways to open up to the world of art like never before. We are all connected in a way to Steve Job’s original vision, by one degree of separation.
What I’m getting at is simple. Community is global. Creativity is global. Art is everywhere, within everyone and a part of our inner being. We are creators and inventors and admirers. We live and die and leave behind a piece of our visions, no matter who we are. We will always be remembered: each and every one of us. Our legacy is the shared space and community we reside in. We are all in a sense: one. So share your art and your memories with everyone you know, so I can remember you as you remember me.
“Remembering That You Are Going To Die Is The Best Way I Know To Avoid The Trap Of Thinking You Have Something To Lose” – Steve Jobs, 1955-2011
Remember: grow; learn; conserve; preserve; create; question; educate; change; and free your mind.
About: Kelli Klymenko is an artist, a faculty member and the Marketing & Events Coordinator at Sedona Arts Center: a gathering place where artists can learn, teach, and exhibit their works at the center’s School of the Arts and Fine Art Gallery in uptown Sedona.
