#cmrva

Our theme for June is PATTERN. It was chosen by our Chennai chapter and illustrated by Nishant Saldanha.

Recognizing, forming, and breaking patterns are core components of creativity. Visuals, sounds, movements, and the passage of time all form patterns that shape our existence and our work. 

Our Chennai chapter’s selection of this theme was inspired by the art form kōlam; which features patterns of dots that are encircled or connected by straight and curved lines. These intricate, geometric designs are created on the thresholds and floors of houses, temples and businesses using rice flour. The practice is deeply rooted in South Indian culture to welcome guests into the home and bring good fortune and prosperity.

Traditionally created by women, our Chennai chapter shared that these beautiful designs are often created by family members and neighbors as a communal activity. Connections between people form patterns in our lives too. 

Which patterns in your relationships, work, and habits are worth repeating? Which ones should be changed? What new pattern do you want to create?

Join us at Arts & Letters on Friday, June 21 as Burt Pinnock talks to us about global patterns of the evolution of a culture, which has become the focus of his current work. Learn more about Burt here.

MARCH -> PERSPECTIVE

Our global theme for March is PERSPECTIVE. It was chosen by our Fargo chapter and illustrated by Fred Gaye Wremeo. 

Every creative act is an attempt to share a unique perspective on some slice of the world. What you see — and how you see it — shapes your beliefs. So, what’s your point of view? And how are you putting it into your work? What was the last piece of music, writing, illustration, or film that opened a new window on the world for you? 

One of the most impactful artistic innovations was linear perspective; widely credited to Fillipo Brunelleschi in the early 14th century. This breakthrough enabled artists to create the illusion of three-dimensional space on a flat canvas, paving the way for the ornate art and architecture of the Renaissance. Today, it feels like we are at another precipice with AI generated images and video. We don’t know how this rapidly emerging artistic tech will shape our perspectives. The machine is already capable of evoking real emotions. But only we can understand those feelings. 

Because seeing someone else’s point of view is uniquely human. Considering another perspective fosters empathy. And we all desperately need more empathy. Remember, looking at a problem from multiple angles generates more possible solutions. So, change your perspective and you can change your world.

ENDURANCE | Michael Chapman

Thank you to our partners at Frontier for supporting yet another event, this time with Michael Chapman from Martin.

Michael walked us through his personal and professional journey and helped us all reconnect to the joy of the process that ultimately allows us to not only endure, but thrive.

Venue The Martin Agency

Videography  Double Take

Photos Christversal

Full Album Here

Thank you to our In-kind partners this September:  Worth Higgins & Associates, Lavender Hill, The Anderson Accounting & Advising Group and Martin.

AN EVENING OF PRIDE | Sponsored by our Summer Partners at Arts & Letters in support of The Pride Place

For #CMPride, we spent an evening on the rooftop of The Hof supporting the efforts of The Pride Place.

Our partners at Frontier also gifted everyone at the event a shirt in support of sweet Ollie (our youngest CM volunteer!) and his health. Read more and get your own shirt here.