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Creative Warriors

by Mario A. Campanaro

Creative Warriors

by Mario A. Campanaro

Why do I think art is important? Because I believe art is willing to say what nobody else is willing to say. It speaks loudly in the face of doctrine, challenging the idea that just because something is deemed “true” does not necessarily make it so. Art says, “We are not willing to be brainwashed.” It says, “Yes, but…” and questions the status quo. Art challenges, progresses, and looks at reality, seeing when something is not working for the best and highest good of us as a human collective. It takes that reality and transforms it for the better, even if that means shaking things up.

Artists, in my eyes, are some of the bravest people we know. They are warriors who emotionally go to war for mankind, allowing themselves to be vessels of change—a conduit of light for the collective. What is the key component to all artistry? Compassion. Compassion allows us to understand the human condition in a way that doesn’t allow us to judge it. It opens the door to truly connecting with ourselves and others, embracing the complexity of our experiences.

The greatest message I have for people is this: Know yourSelf. It’s about the discovery of who you are and the willingness to transform any obstacles life throws your way into something that serves you. By doing so, you better yourself, your experience, and ultimately contribute to humanity as a collective. There is so much suffering in the world, and we often get lost in greed, competition, fame, fortune, and power. But we forget that there is really only one thing that matters: we are all connected.

We have become so comfortable in our lovelessness that love has become an endangered species. But I believe that, in order to truly love, we must first understand its opposite. We must understand what love is not in order to fully appreciate what it truly is. Understanding darkness on a primal level allows us to value the light more deeply. Only then can we truly pursue a mission in the name of love. Without this, everything else is just smoke and mirrors—and we have far too much of that in the world today.