"My works talk to people all over the world...I want to bring joy and happiness through art."—Yayoi Kusama
In this video, we explore Kusama's Infinity Mirror Rooms through the idea of radical connectivity - creating power through networks of people. Father Greg Boyle practices radical connectivity by empowering the community through Homeboy Industries, an organization he founded that is now the largest gang intervention and rehab program in the world.
Last week's winner was Tammy Hornek, who answered our question, "Is there a place in your life where you have felt pressure to conform, but instead followed your own path?": "As a young artist growing up, I felt heavy pressure to do/be anything other than an artist. At that time and in my community, accountants were highly revered to be a respectable career choice. So, when asked as my introduction at a regional talent show, "what do you want to be when you grow up?", I stated "Accountant". The answer grew great applause. In school, I took accounting classes, because I was convinced it was the best path for me to make a good living. I remember sitting through those classes feeling tortured. I even turned down a scholarship to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh for fear I would end up a 'starving artist'. I ended up going into business and working for the nations largest retailer. When I had children I then worked for the nations first Direct Sales company. It was in that time that I began to feel as if I had "lost myself". In my exploration of rediscovering myself, I came to realize that I truly wanted to be an artist and share my talent and love for life with the world. To that end, I formulated an art business plan that would ensure I was not a "starving artist". I realized that it might take a lot of time to sell a painting. So, instead, I would teach painting. I, now, am on my 6th year of teaching fun, challenging and exciting painting classes to adults who also lost their love for creating amidst their run up the corporate ladder. My goal is to give adults a confidence building experience where they can be proud of themselves for creating something they did not believe they could do. Then they take their painting home and share it on social media and as they collect compliments, they become like little children as they are reminded of what it feels like to be congratulated on a job well done. Creating helps them escape the stress of their lives and as we place deposits into adults confidence levels, their spirits soar to do greater things. One person at a time, I am making a difference by returning to my first love... art."