The Art of Authenticity - Jim Carrey - I Needed Color

"I think that what makes someone an artist is that they make models of their inner life. They make something physically come into being that is inspired by their emotions or their needs or what they feel the audience needs. I like the independence of it. I love the freedom of it. Nobody tells you what you can or can't do..."
 Jim Carrey

Jim Carrey says, "People who are different have a shot at being original." 

I agree and I would add...

People who are authentic have a shot at being original.

That's why I love this video so much.

Jim Carrey is being as real and raw and authentic about his need for color and how it was a broken heart that led him to pursue his art in the midst of disappointments and a depressing, dreary winter.

In a world of synthetic fast food, unhealthy living and false personas, Jim Carrey excels in the art of authenticity. He offers us a look inside the window of his spiritual and creative journey.

What's refreshing about his story is that he's not being emotionally promiscuous, telling us every salacious detail of what led to his broken heart. The "Oprah-fi-cation" of our confessional society the past thirty years has certainly not led to a greater sense of wholeness and well-being in our society.

It's just a form of confessional crack cocaine. It offers a quick hit, but no real transformation.

Jim is clearly on a journey. It's clear he's fascinated with Jesus, but still unclear where Jesus fits in his story. But, if we are authentic and gracious, we would all admit we stood in similar places at different points in our life (or still stand!). Jesus patiently waited for us and he still does in many ways.

This video is beautiful, reflective storytelling at its best. 

Jim Carrey is not Truman, Bruce Almighty, The Joker or Ace Ventura or a lying attorney or the man behind The Mask. He is a man in the midst of a spiritual and creative evolution.

Isn't that what you also desire? If so, why?

I know I'm hungry for more and I want to be around authentic people who hunger for God and long to create a more beautiful world.

Carrey offers so many delicious stories about calling and vocation, his childhood, his art and work with color, the process of creating, his inner life, hopes, dreams and desires.

His authentic, winsome flow is so decidedly unreligious. His honesty is arresting, almost demanding a new kind of audience of people hungry to live authentic lives.    

Jim Carrey is in process and that, I believe, is the essence of the spiritual life. The goal is spiritual progress at the pace of grace, not spiritual perfection based upon our misguided attempts of self-salvation trying to earn the love of the Father who's already wild about us.

Authenticity is truly the narrow road and few are those who find it.

Watch the video. Zero in on one of Carrey's quotes, stories or ideas.

Leave a comment below. I'd love to hear your thoughts and reflections.

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Are you eager to go on a new journey? If you're interested in pursuing a spiritual and creative journey in an authentic community with other artists who are hungry for God and who want to create great art, please visit our one-year Cultivated Artist Experience. Our first artist retreat happens in a few weeks, Sept. 28-Oct. 1. We still have a few spots open and a few scholarships available. Check it out and apply today.