American Icons Project Idea 3: The Struggling American Artist

Imagine: a young man's fingers dance along the black and white keys of the piano with grace and ease. A small jar awaits fulfillment as it sits beside him. He is the epitome of aspiring musicians--the struggling artist. His dreams and the fantasies of those like him do not often come true, but they continue to strive towards their passion, their goal. His music will change people, trends, perhaps society if the world ever recognizes his greatness. Because music, and especially music like his, will make the masses hear what he hears in his head, feel what he feels in his heart, and learn all the things he knows to be true. Music is his soul's conduit, and has been a means of communication for other artists for thousands of years. The fingers manifest the sounds of his heart--sounds that will mean more to him and a few others than words can say, even if they are rejected by the world. It is a way of life; to imagine a melody, a harmony, a symphony...and make it come to life. It is an existence that is not successful by material standards, but brings more joy to those who live it than anything else in the universe. And it is, for them and me, an American Dream.

"Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" are attained....what more is needed? I have dedicated my life to composing the notes that are already imprinted in my mind; my liberty to create and write to the best of my ability is granted; and I have almost caught the happiness I pursue. It matters not if I am white, black, Asian, Hispanic, or multicultural--if I have a dream to pursue, a goal to catch, and am willing to pay the price--I can chase my fantasies until I make my big break. Or, never get that break at all. And if I do succeed in terms of popularity, affluence, and recognition I will have made a mark in American culture. My signature will be left behind in the archives of those who struggled and finally made it before me. Somewhere in the annals of history my music will remain, for some future listener to appreciate and know that this was a composition by Noah Schlottman--the young man who struggled and finally broke through.

I look to the stereotyped, struggling artist and realize that despite the generalization he/she is an essential part of America. These are the men and women that make up American culture, direct society's trends, thoughts, and feelings with their music and lyrics. These are the people that are striving to make their mark on the world, starting with America, and are trying to attain the greatness that their predecessors achieved. And though few succeed in this dream, they are an inspiration to scores of talented others who will look up to them as an icon of what they want to be. A premonition of what I know I'll be.