What is Art?
What is Art? Usually people think a painting, sculpture, music, or drawling. These are not the only things that are art. Believe it or not everyone has a artist in them, and anything can create be art. Art is as simple a expression of creativity. Everyone has a different way that they live there life. Even the simple things of how you choose to go about your day can be a form of art. Not everyone hangs paintings and photographs on there walls, there is more to art then just that. At McLean o Inspire we are on a mission is to inspire the world through art and creative products. We want to support the uniqueness in each of you and encourage the artist in everyone. We hope that with are art we can at least make a small difference in even just one persons life by doing that. Everyone has a purpose, something or more then one things that they bring to this world that is unique to them and there skillset. We are the hands and feet of God. We were created to show the world Gods love and who he is. We were created to give hope and inspiration to the world and to share are testimony to inspire others. Life is hard, the world is a difficult place. We want to help! We hope to be able to inspire you with our creative products, art, journey and testimonies. I pray that our choice to do this helps encourage you to as well.
Everyone has different interests and hobbies. People enjoy all different things from working in the garden, going to art galleries, playing video games, wearing unique clothing, painting, woodworking, leatherworking, writing, making music…there is such a wide variety of endless interests that vary drastically between people. That does not mean that one thing is more of a art form then another. Society has normalized certain things as “art” more then others, at McLean to Inspire we want to normalize the unique artist & Art that each of us bring to life. Not only that but we want the world to be encouraged that just because someone who has a love for one thing dose not have to only like things of that same genre or style. You should be free to express yourself for who you are in as many and every way that you feel you should.
The question again is, What is art? that is for you to ultimately to decide. If your still looking for some inspiration. The simple act of how you choose to go about your day can be art. You ask me how? When you choose your outfit in the morning do you choose to create a outfit that represents your unique vision of “that outfit”. Whether you actively and consciously make a effort to create “art” when you get dressed in the morning your outfit reflects a self expression & creativity. What do you think when you see the person in sweats and a t-shirt? How about that person in a crisp fancy suit? A wedding dress? Jeans and a t-shirt? The world has normalized certain outfits for certain situations and a lot of times we fall into the habit of conforming to those standards and not stepping out to create “that outfit” that we really want to wear. Even by choosing to conform to culture we are expressing our creativity and making a statement.
You have a choice everyday how you want to use this opportunity of self expression and creativity. I encourage you to take advantage of this and use this opportunity to create the art you really want to. We live in a world that so many people seem to be followers instead of leaders. It seems like everyone thinks that other people have it better then them. Lets stop looking around and keep our eyes on the road that is only our journey. Keep your eyes on the reason we were created. Focus on why you were brought here and the specific purpose you can only fulfill in this world. God created you to be something that only you can be. Do something that changes your life today and inspires others to change there own. That can be as simple as stepping outside in the outfit you really want to rock, without worrying about how others are going to judge you.
As you see, art can be something simple. Art is everywhere. Art can be everything. You are art. How you speak to others is art. How you parent, that is art also. Your marriage is Art. Art is expressing yourself. It is creation. I challenge you to find that artist in yourself, recognize it and embrace is. Do you like baking, flowers, video games, computers, gardening? Recognize it, acknowledge it and embrace it! Find a way to use it to make a difference in the world. Use you unique talents and art to help people and solve problems.
When creating our vision for our business we felt pushed by the world and culture to conform to the standards of how to display are photography for sale. I remember every time I browse the walls of a art gallery or the little downtown shops seeing those beautiful handmade things I liked so much. admiring the craftmanship, hard work and uniqueness. Whether it was a dress, a photography, painting, furniture glass sculpture, baby toy, or journal. Whatever it was most of the time I looked at the price tag first, to see a number that more then not I could not afford. The disappointment that follows is difficult. I understand what its like to be artist. I know the feeling of wanting you hard work and creative efforts to be appreciated and admired. I also know what its like to be the financially struggling young adult who realistically just cant afford to buy “art”. This has played a huge role in how we created our business. We believe we bring beautiful and unique art to the world. I know the hardwork, dedication time and effort we put into creating our products. The upfront costs have to be accounted for as well as our time and creativity. How can we take account for all this and still offer amazing products that are at a variety of price ranges and options to suit as many budgets and creative lifestyles as possible. Considering all of this we created the plan to not only offer are photography and art as prints and wall art but to expand the options and possiblities. This means that we are opening up are collection of art to be expanded onto products that we feel like will be versitile enough for many more lifestyles.
Browsing a store a customer mught see a beautiful photograph for sale and want a print to hang on there wall. Another customer might be thinking “I wish I could have the photography of that Airplane on my T-shirt”. Everyone has a different life and a different artistic style of how the express themselves. We hope to be able to bring you art in ways that help you express yourself.
Living in a world where there is the “fear of missing out” consuming so much of us. Marketers push “limited time only” “limited edition” so much. They dont realize that alot of time its not that we dont want the item there selling and that putting that label or a lower pricetage on the item isnt going to make us buy it. Sometimes we just cant even afford our groceries and gas for the rest of the week, let alone whatever they are selling. Pushing that “fear of missing out” into us sure does not help. It encourages shame, disappointment, anxiety and so many other emotions.
Though we have to run a business and do it in a way that we make money not loose money. Most importantly want to make sure that were running a business in a way that encourages, inspires and lifts up people. This is how we build relationships and that is how we want to really build clients and customers. Building a business that tares people down in order to put money in our pockets is NOT how we want to run business. That is not the way God wants us to run a business.
There is lots of things we are working on. So many products we have on our to do list to get created and listed for sale. We are just starting out on our business journey and want to bring the best to you. If you see one of our products listed and wish we had it on a different product or size, color, Ect. then we have listed please feel free to reach out to us via our contact form on our website and let us know. We will do our best to work with you and your vision and budget. We might not be able to accommodate every request but we will do our very best to try.
We hope to encourage and inspire you on your artist journey. Embrace your creativity and show the world your talents. You have so much to offer. You were created for a purpose only you can fulfill. Be the hands and feet of Jesus and show the world the love of God through our amazing and unique talents!
Blessings, Max & Acacia McLean
Written by: Acacia McLean
January, 18th, 2024