Los Angeles is the perfect place for creative experimentation. There is something in the ethos here that encourages thinking outside the box, eschewing traditions that stifle, and trying without fear of failure. Better to have attempted to manifest one's destiny than to not have attempted at all! And LA is full of people doing just that.
These conditions produce a powerful incubator for creativity and innovation. I was reminded of this again today when I read an excerpt from a press release for an upcoming show at a gallery that is highlighting the work of London artists living in LA: "The move to LA has encouraged an evolution, even a revolution, in the creation of their work. It is well known that artists such as David Hockney blazed a trail for expats who, like him, moved west to experience the light, the openness, the newness and the nowness of Southern California. Freed from the traditions and institutions of older cities and artistic tradition, the 'blue-sky' creative climate in LA and its continually developing art scene have allowed for a fresh perspective for expat artists."
I know I have certainly reveled in the creative freedom that LA offers. Working in a climate where there are no felt restrictions on what can be imagined is a gift, and one that I don't want to take for granted.
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(For those interested, the gallery is Wallspace and the upcoming show is entitled "London Transplants 2015," opening April 21st.)