Links to Excellence – James Baldwin: The Making of an Artist

Experiencing an artist’s work that is loved so deeply can make one assume they’ll equally love everything created by the artist, till coming across a work that refutes the assumption.

This is simply what makes an artist an [artist] – one who does not placate to others’ expectations, but to the integrity of self-expression.

Baldwin was an artist-writer who ensued new creations of self-expression, as the following link illustrates.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9LynyFBWnA

Links to Excellence – The Making of “The Door” by Ava DuVernay

Working with luxury fashion brand, Miu Miu, Award-winning filmmaker, Ava DuVernay, provides a behind-the-scenes look at The Door, featuring established and upcoming actors, portraying the essentials of self-love, resilience, friendship, and staying committed to one’s passion, as the short culminates with a lyrical performance by Goapele and wisdom shared by Alfre Woodard.  Along with Woodard, The Door stars Gabrielle Union and additional cast members, Adepero Oduye and Emayatzy Corinealdi.  

http://www.miumiu.com/en/women_tales/5/behind/video?cc=US

Links to Excellence - Dare to Dream

The first post I penned for this site identified TV and Internet series that examine the human ability to achieve one’s dreams.  Links to Excellence is my recommendation of various sites, featuring sources of inspiration and/or artistic performances I find exceptional. 

Continuing with the topic of dreams, below is my first recommended link, featuring an inspiring video on following dreams.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FyYLGMaP7M&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLA82638BA0BDBC28B