Why Make Marks?

Many of you have asked why I am so interested in marks.

I have asked myself:  who makes marks and why; whose marks are significant and what impact will they have on others?  With my project, "Marks, Here and Now," I am allowing myself to make my own mark.

So what is a mark?

The public making marks with Pawel Althamer at the New Museum in New York City. 

Can you imagine a huge museum rotunda with everyone making their own mark?
I was there, and it was amazing to experience!

Martha Graham answered that question for me in her musings to Agnes DeMille:

"There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time; this expression is unique.  And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost.  The world will not have it.

"It is not your business to determine how good it is, nor valuable, nor how it compares with other expressions.  It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open....  You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you.  Keep the channel open."

Is she reminding you to silence your inner critic?  Yes!  To celebrate the process, not the product, and not question the validity of your work.  By honoring the things that delight or anger you, awe or bore you, you are allowing the process to occur naturally, thereby staying true to your own mark.

Thanks for sharing your marks with me.  What mark will you make this month?  Keep in touch.