What good is appreciating creativity on such a grand scale if we’re not being creative about our own lives? As I strive to live more consciously and creatively in my own life I think this is what’s nagging at me about Artprize this year. So many people are coming for a few hours, a few days, and then what? Back to life as usual? I fear so and hope not. I hope something about Artprize inspires people to make a change, however small. It’s definitely working on me, and I’m glad for it. I’d hate to have such an event so close without it changing me or my perspective in some way. I’m not sure what that change is this year. I’ll be patient as it continues to churn.

The other day a friend pointed out the “huge amount of energy” around Artprize. He’s right. I feel it everyday I’m down here – so much energy being generated and expended. The philosopher in me thinks it’s a searching energy. We’re all searching for something…artists searching for a work they can be happy with…recognition…a creative community…the big prize…or any of the 1713 other reasons they’ve each come for. Voters searching for the next venue…a friend to meet...directions…the top 10…lunch. Others for something on the website…fault in the event…meaning in it all…a place to park, or any of the other reasons they’ve come for. I think many are searching for a more creative life, they just don’t know it yet.

We all have habits of being unconscious onlookers in some part of our lives…all of us. Can Artprize be a catalyst to help us make the leap to more conscious and creative participation? Yes, I’m sure it can, for some. Named and yet-unnamed ripples are radiating from Artprize, in all directions. People are being worked on by this event, from the one who wins the $250,000 prize, to those whose anger and frustration are triggered by it, to the thousands of children who see a community celebrating self expression, to me. Artprize has the ability to awaken something in all of us.

I’m becoming more of a participant in my life, in my relationships, in my health and well-being, in spirit, in my self-expression -- Artprize provided the canvas for this, my first blog.

As does everything, Artprize wants to evolve. Will we?