Hello, friends—
Something that has always struck me about integrity is that there is no adjective
version of it. You can’t tack an -ish or a -ful to the end, or add an im- prefix. Go ahead
and try it – it will make you laugh!
Integrity is only a noun; it can’t modify another thing, it’s something you have, a quality.
It’s something that we strive for ShapeShifter to have, so we’ve included it in our
manifesto.
We stand firm on the foundation of Integrity, committing ourselves to honesty,
transparency, and ethical conduct. We take full accountability for our actions and
foster a fair, inclusive environment where respect and social responsibility guide
every decision, ensuring our impact benefits not only our community but the
world.
Previously I introduced you to our manifesto and curiosity, which is at the core of
our intentions. Curiosity is built into creativity, as our guest writers Jessie Marcus and
Charlie Meyers described. But what about integrity? What does it have to do with
making art?
I was a little surprised that the definition of integrity includes artistic values: firm
adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values.
But aside from the obvious, the fact is that your curiosity won’t get you to creativity if you
aren’t honest with yourself and others about what you are making, about what your
process is, and about why you’re making what you’re making.
Maybe you don’t know?
That’s fine, too, as long as you’re honest about it.
Making work requires a respect for the process. It requires you to be honest with
yourself about your intentions. It requires an adherence to your own set of values.
Join us in a class or workshop and see our values in action.
