I'll Be Braque

Cubism's Forgotten Influence

Picasso tends to be known as the artist who radically changed public perception of art. He also happens to be one of the artists to highlight celebrity as a career strategy. However strongly associated, though, Cubism wasn't his alone. From 1908 to 1914 the charismatic bohemian was in close partnership with Georges Braque, a reserved French gentlemen. Together they built upon a foundation began by Cezanne, deconstructing their subjects as they infused African roots and emphasized the tactile space of a piece. 

Today, Picasso's works at the Metropolitan Museum of art total 1,211 while Braque's number 31. I believe the difference comes from Braque creating art for himself, not the public. In making the decision to pursue the art rather than public persona or ego, Braque laid a foundation for a significant moment that would all but forget his name.  

What I've been Told This Should Be...

The assignment: create a blog about a topic I understand and into which I have insight. This blog began as an educational tool. Let's transform that into something far greater. 

There are gaggles of blogs in existence today. Each with a blogger who has their megaphone poised, prepared to cry into the abyss of cyberspace, ready to compete for the potential attention of an audience. Each one with perspective unique to them as a result of their life's story. 

I'm not going to compete with those bloggers.

Instead, I'm starting a movement. 

(TED: Derek Sivers)

Dancing is utterly delightful; its highly social nature connects humanity as we celebrate together. The first guy (joyfully dancing with reckless abandon) is directly responsible for the epic dance party taking place, but one brave man isn't a movement. The movement begins when the second guy reacts to the catalyst, embracing it and joining with the same enthusiasm.

My Proposal to You

I'll agree to be the first guy, the nut; acting on the premise that I was raised to bring delight to the lives of others through small things and random acts of kindness. This blog is a record of me applying that fostered potential as I work toward being my best self and finding my joy through creating it in others. 

I'm asking you to be the second guy, the one with the real courage. It doesn't require reading my blog, only that you take the deliciously simple idea of #BeDelightful and live it in such a way that others will want to do so as well. 

However, that being said... I do hope you'll stick with me, I've got rather awesome plans in the works and it's always better when we're together.  Let's make the world dance!

Peace,

K