Passion

Many of us were initially mesmerized by the creative expressions that once came to us so easily in childhood. Painting, singing, dancing were pure movements of joy, and it was not until we grew older that we soon felt pressure applied to those delights. At the cusp of realizing that our creative endeavors were something that filled our minds with endless possibilities, the harsh admonitions of our elders were ceremoniously given to us: “How are you going to make a living doing that?” We were warned that these passions of ours take time—precious time that would eventually run out, and to master these passions one might dedicate a lifetime to them, sacrificing other prospects: careers, family goals, or even monetary stability. Most everyone is quick to point out how the arts and humanities are a waste of time, devoid of any real prospects or pragmatic results because there is an inherent fear of pursuing passions which can be empathized with.

Originally, passion meant the suffering caused by someone sacrificing themselves for something they loved; the focus of that love was something that utterly consumed us, and yet it was so meaningful to us that we could not break from continuing to nurture and protect it. Though the more severe understanding of the word has fallen out of use, even now the suffering from those passions can still be applied to those that find themselves compelled to follow what their hearts whisper. This is why so many fear passions and warn against giving oneself over to them. Passion has the ability to destroy the everyday societal norms we have cultivated for millennia: work hard, find stability, grow a family, stay in order, and you shall be rewarded with a life greatly reduced of the suffering one might experience following their intuitions. If these intuitions are not tamed, the young impassioned might find themselves destitute and drained from an overall frivolous pursuit, and so the safer option is to follow the advice of others who have paved out a rational path towards avoiding the woes of uncertainty.

Throughout life, we are told what to do to find happiness, purpose, success, so that we may overcome the afflictions of our artificial condition: paying bills, facing poverty, getting ahead in life; these powerful forces are constantly said to be triumphed over if one just follows the “game plan” found conveniently listed in self-help books or paid seminars. We are given maps early on to navigate ourselves away from the hurdles of life, but when everyone is given someone else’s blueprint, we might come to resent the lack of choices we were given.

For some, they ignore the path laid out for them by others and instead choose to blaze their own trail guided by their passions. Some choose this because they need an outlet to release their emotions and thoughts, others find therapy and healing with their expressions, artists will simply be motivated by the fun of doing it regardless of any other motivations, and some are motivated by all three and more. These people cannot imagine doing anything else; they understand that the differences they have compared to others are their strengths and leaning into them is what allows these artists to grow not only as creatives but as human beings.

Myles Jordan came on the podcast this week and professed his love of the arts; acting, writing, directing are all aspects of himself that he cherishes and sacrifices for. He works hard networking and looking for anyone who shares his visions and his love for the expression of his humanity. Myles was steadfast in his decision to pursue his passions and found a welcoming community that wants to lift him up as he continues to chase every available opportunity to continue his journey. LouRae Gallery sees the passion of the people of Kentucky and promises to keep your fire lit as you blaze your trails. All you have to do is make your way to us.

Bringing Down The Walls

As we mature, we subtly refine our characters, pruning and preening any attributes we choose to outgrow, focusing on what truly defines us as individuals. We may identify as artists, accountants, Latinos, Black individuals, women, Democrats, scholars, soldiers, and countless other labels and affiliations that help us understand ourselves and find like-minded individuals. However, while these categories can foster connection, they can also create distance from those we struggle to comprehend. Art, on the other hand, transcends labels and communicates without the need for words; it speaks directly to the soul, inviting us to engage without preconceptions. When we encounter a piece of art, we don't require explanations of its meaning or purpose; we simply absorb its essence by being present with it and exploring its depths.

This open interaction with art encourages us to move beyond the need for overt displays of identity and instead embrace the fundamental essence of humanity that lies at the core of our being. Art serves as a reminder of our shared humanity, the common thread that connects us all.

This shared humanity is central to the work of Katt Smith, a local artist whose creations range from abstract representations of shapes and colors to poignant depictions of individuals facing adversity. Much like the subjects she portrays, Katt invites her audience to wrestle with the scenes she presents. Works like "Mother and Child," depicting a young mother and child fleeing toward a riverboat amidst chaos, or "Queen," where a woman's back is turned to the viewer, her billowing hair the only visible feature, prompt viewers to delve beneath the surface. Katt challenges us to move beyond superficial observations of gender or race and instead engage with the deeper narrative she constructs. By obscuring certain details, she compels us to contemplate the characters' positions, the symbolism of their attire, and the messages conveyed through their interactions.

Through her art, Katt challenges us to step outside the confines of our comfort zones and confront the humanity that transcends our individual identities and group affiliations. She uses art as a tool to facilitate communication between individuals and communities that may initially perceive themselves as having little in common. In our gallery, we aim to provide visitors with opportunities to encounter new perspectives and have their perceptions transformed by the stories depicted on our historic stone walls.

Raising The Supports

Last week, I had the pleasure of conversing with August Northcut on the LouRaePodcast. August returned to Louisville in 2014 after exploring various creative avenues in Charleston and Savannah. He specializes in illustration work but his talents stretch from large graffiti-esque abstract movements to more detailed and elaborately drawn filigree. During our discussion, we delved into the importance of pushing artistic boundaries to broaden one's repertoire. August emphasized the value of maintaining an open mindset, which facilitates adaptability in working with diverse ideas and people. He eloquently described the symbiotic relationship between artists and their creations, highlighting the continuous evolution of one's creativity. August is always thoughtful in both his speech and his work as he describes a kind of partnership that develops between the artists and the work they create. One becomes a better artist by continually shaping and molding their creativity into the forms it will eventually take on. To witness August’s art is to have a conversation with not only the artist but the piece itself which has gone through many cycles of rebirth and change.

August spoke of his supporting family and friends along with the mentors he had as a young theater performer. He underscored the significance of surrounding oneself with inspiring individuals, shaping one's artistic identity. His journey reflects a profound sense of freedom in expressing oneself authentically—an ethos we strive to cultivate and extend to all artists in our burgeoning creative community.

Our conversation further explored the dynamics of collaboration and the challenges young artists face in integrating into new communities. We recognized the essence of genuine community lies in fostering connections that not only uplift individuals but also collectively advance shared aspirations. Lou Rae's mission embodies this ethos—a sanctuary where artists can create without inhibition. The pandemic prompted a reevaluation of our priorities, unveiling a reservoir of untapped artistic potential brimming with promise. Artists like August Northcut serve as beacons of inspiration, generously sharing their insights and expertise.

At the core of all human expression lies the intrinsic value we place upon each other and what we create. Artists navigate a constant struggle for relevance, confronting internal doubts and external criticisms as they lay bare their souls through their craft. True art transcends societal expectations, embodying the courage and vulnerability we all must face in equal measures. Through communal support, we seek to empower our artists so that they may unleash their creative spirits onto the world stage, forging a future where every Kentucky artist finds fulfillment in sharing their unique vision.

Dreaming at Dawn

Our inaugural podcast, released today, spotlights the talents of Louisville's native artist and fashion designer, Jason Lois. During the podcast, we delved into his artistic journey — from humble beginnings painting "happy little trees" under the loving support of his family to the eventual evolution of his signature style, described as "emotive art." Jason stands as a symbol of Louisville's distinctive approach to art, embodying the community's expression of ideas and souls to the world.

Jason's artwork is a fusion of short lines of poetry or phrases, vibrant color palettes, and dynamic movements. His pieces narrate stories that evoke emotions, growing and resonating with viewers over time. Jason envisions his art maturing alongside those who immerse themselves in his worldview. His art conveys messages that can be grasped immediately or slowly unfold their emotions over the years. Building connections with his audience, Jason's art creates networks where energies flux and change, leaving a lasting impact.

Artists like Jason are swiftly rising to stardom in this historic city, surrounded by archaic and storied buildings. As these structures watch over the passersby on downtown streets, a new generation of artists emerges, eager to express thoughts and ideas while building upon the solid foundations of the past. Louisville boasts a thriving community of imaginative and thoughtful artists, craving space and support to shape the bursting collective imagination within the Bluegrass state.

Jason shared that it took him a decade to develop his artistic vision, a culmination of late-night efforts and cultivating faith in himself to share a piece of his identity with the world. Many other creatives, akin to Jason, toil in the night, awaiting recognition and searching for ways to make an impact on their communities.

A common thread among all artists, especially here, is the fueling power of dreams and ambition. Artists at Lou Rae Gallery are driven by various aspirations — working with major fashion outfits, seeing their designs on runways, having paintings featured in national or international shows, or simply seeking the respect and honor that comes from someone connecting with their work. Unfortunately, some feel compelled to leave their homes, believing better opportunities lie in cities with more vibrant art scenes. These heart-wrenching decisions motivate us at the gallery to ensure our talented artists stay rooted in their homes out of choice, not necessity.

As we encounter more artists like Jason, and as we unravel the core of the artistic spirit in Louisville, we aspire to carve out a space for all creative minds to share their ideas with the people of Louisville and the city itself. Art has historically inspired people and shaped the image of cities worldwide, and Louisville is overdue for a renaissance. It all begins with the dreams of our artists. If we allow them to leave for supposed greener pastures, we only delay the inevitable glory that lies beyond our shared horizon. Louisville is poised for the voices of its artists to herald a new age of development and growth, and we stand ready, alongside our supporters, to usher in this new era for Kentucky's artists.

Coming Home

When I first arrived in Louisville, I was filled with intrigue. This city, as every Kentuckian told me, is the 'Big City' of The Bluegrass State. A part of the country that, to me, had always carried a mystique for anyone not born within its borders. Not wholly southern like its cousin Tennessee, but not quite midwestern like its neighbor Illinois and the more well-known city of Chicago. Louisville is part of what many call the 'Rustbelt' of America, a former industrial powerhouse and steamship hub along the Ohio River that fell into despair after the post-industrial age came and went. Louisville has the foundations of a vibrant and historic city that shows the weathering of civil wars, societal unrest, and the urban decay of the 20th century, leaving many great cities hidden within the shadows of what they once were.

Yet, that is not what I see. I see a proud population of people who are determined to rebuild their home into something that carries the pride of the past and the hope for the future. Numerous projects are underway throughout the town as the local government and local organizers are adding new parks, renewing urban spaces, and encouraging business growth in the once-neglected downtown districts. Louisville is laying a new track on top of the old foundations that once ushered in the age of steel to the new frontier, hammering new spikes along the old skeletons of the sleeper tracks that remain from the men and women who first tamed the hills and forests that hug the site along the Ohio River.

As I witnessed this passionate stride towards a new dawn, I became curious about the people who chose to settle down here, so I began talking to the locals. The local 'Louisvillians' gleefully told me their stories and the various homes where those tales took place. Rivalries between schools, churches, and neighborhoods fuel a city that was once divided heavily into small towns, ending in 2003 with the City of Louisville absorbing most of the surrounding boroughs into the newly formed Louisville Metro. This is why Louisville can feel so diverse for a city of 600,000 residents that seems somewhat isolated by the Ohio River and the Appalachians to the East. You can find historic Victorian homes nestled within tight streets in Old Louisville, record stores, tattoo shops, and bars along the strip of Bardstown, quiet picturesque neighborhoods surrounding Cherokee Park, the emerald outdoor space of the city. And that's just a small sampling of Louisville’s personality.

With such a diverse population of experiences and nostalgic expressions, I believed there to be a genuinely unique culture underlying such varied perspectives and experiences. However, when I began to ask these people, I didn’t get much in terms of substance. It seemed to me that most people were proud of the bourbon that flows like the mighty Ohio or the horses and their races that thunder in the warmer months. For entertainment, many recommended gambling at the various casinos or racetracks that harken to Louisville’s booming prohibition era. But when I prodded for more on the arts, theatre, lectures, and museums, many became quite silent as they had no real experience with these other avenues.

It was a bit disheartening as more and more people I spoke to neglected to shine any light on what Louisville has to offer in terms of artistic expression; one might have begun to believe that the city simply had nothing to offer. However, it took some time and effort, but soon I had cracked the thin veil that separates the artists of the city from their fellow citizens. Traveling around the streets and avenues, I found a plethora of painters, musicians, chefs, and everything in-between trying to showcase what they had to offer from their unique Kentuckian perspectives. It was all here; independent creators began to show me their wares and share with me their struggles and triumphs living and working in the Bluegrass State.

As a new resident entering the fold, it seems that there is a disconnect between the people and the artists of the city, where many of the citizenry have no notion of how to access this culture or even how to begin to interact with it. Not everyone has time to delve into the art scene with responsibilities always weighing in the back of their minds. While there are hugely popular markets and festivals (e.g., Shakespeare in the Park, St. James Arts Festival, Logan Street Market) that showcase the various talents of Louisvillians, that excitement has a hard time spreading towards new markets and bringing in new people into the folds.

This is what we address at Lou Rae Riverside Arts & Events, and it makes up the soul of what we strive to do in our community. We are facilitating a space where people who might not normally interact with artists find common ground to explore various mediums that challenge them, within the historic backdrop of the building on 611 W. Main St. We cater to anyone and everyone who wants to explore what their city has to offer beyond what might lay on the surface. Movie nights, auctions, fashion shows, and more cater to the artists who want to share their visions and to the people of the city who deserve to know their neighbors and creators.

This Gallery and Event Center will only continue to evolve as we partner with locals to help bring light to those community builders who just need a bit of exposure and a shoulder to lean on as they develop their concepts and dreams. From the young to the old, Lou Rae wants to extend a hand in assistance so that this city can become a beacon to all creators who do not know how to ask for help or feel that their work is not 'good' enough for people to experience. Here, we uplift and reassure all who come within our doors to continue their growth in whatever form they decide to focus upon. Louisville is on the verge of a new Renaissance, and we are here to usher it into the “Neo-Rustbelt” age of progress and renewal for both the city and her people.