MR. RANN KENNEDY’S MESSAGE

Although I have put the words into the mouth of Mr. Rann Kennedy, I do not pretend to mean that these are his exact words. This is merely the main thought of his address in hopelessly inadequate form.

Y MESSAGE to you to-day concerns pattern. I do not

mean pattern in the ordinary sense of the word, but, as

Plato used it, something in the heavens, in the mind of God, which is the source and fountain of all the particular designs found in the world. ‘This hints at the visual thing which must be felt in the heart and back of the mind, before you can create a design. When you have such a vision, and know it is a genuine inspiration, concentrate on it till it reveals to you the shape and form you must use in producing it. “Pattern is not a mere space-filling exercise, but a form of express- ing an idea with thought and meaning behind it. If you have a genuine vision, no matter how weakly it is executed, you are borne within you by the knowledge that you have done the right thing. There is also great joy in creating. Deep secrets are revealed through the attempt to work out an inspiration; secrets that will help you to understand the art and artists of all ages. “Each artist is given a separate mission with different ideas to express. Don’t be afraid of bringing these out. The timidity underlying the young soul beginning in art often keeps him back. There is the fear of, ‘What will the Master say?’ and ‘What will people think?’ etc. In order to succeed we must throw all question- ing to the winds and declare, ‘I care not what will happen,’ then go head and carry out the inspiration. There must be an unloosen- ing of the courage to do the thing we see needful. If we surrender to this visionary spirit we are led into dangerous places. We must not falter, but, having the assurance that we are right, continue on our course not to be downed by fathers, uncles, or business men. Make them see that the really important part of the world’s work is done by the artist and the saint, not by the business man. If they do not like our art, if it does not harmonize with this business, make them change their world. Let us do this little thing, you and I.” [17] IRENE E. HARRIS.

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