I have been a Springsteen fan since I was a teenager in the 70′s and I guess for a lot of reasons – the lyrics, the ideas, the emotion, the hope, and mostly, of course, the music.

And, I remember his seminal album, “Born to Run”, like it was yesterday. I think when it came out in 1975 I was like 13 years old. And it made sense to me instantly – as much sense as can be had for a 13 year old kid.

The album always made a deep impression on me and I remember reading about the making of it and all the time, dedication and utter commitment that went into that record.

And was reminded of it when the 30th anniversary of it’s release came out a few years ago (I will include a little clip of the video that came with the 30th anniversary package below)

So what does this have to do with anything art related? well, a lot. Heck, music is art right? well what about the visual arts? again, art is art and the ideas and concepts can be applicable for any artistic pursuit.

The idea to wanted to talk about and what I have been thinking about is the concept behind the album. First, however, just some background on the release of “Born to Run.

Prior to releasing “Born to Run” Springsteen had two previous released albums – his first was “Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.” and the “The Wild, the Innocent and the E-Street Shuffle” These are heavily folk influenced, songs steeped in rich visual details and very dylanesque.

They were not really what the market would call “blockbuster” records but they put Bruce on the map and set in motion a musical career that would ultimately touch millions.

Back to the concept. Bruce knew this next album was somewhat “do or die” for him so he embarked to create the “Great American Record” and the blood, sweat, tears that went into creating this seminal record are legendary.

But he had a vision, a concept and he set out and “intended” to create the Great American Album. It all started with him – rather within him.

I have been thinking – man, that was a bold move – kinda having your career staked on one record. And the audacity to make the “Great American Album” – to aim as high creatively as he possible could, to recruit band members to support this vision, to work until he came as close as humanly possible to create this vision via music.

And I thought, Who is creating the next great American painting? And do we even dare to think that bold? Are we just make safe little paintings or illustrations or photographs or whatever? Is our studio some safe little haven or a bold, new experimental laboratory ready to reveal something BIG? Are we not being bold or daring enough?

I’m not sure, although I can speculate based on what I’ve seen (I’ll keep those thoughts to myself for now, anyway) but I think those questions are worth exploring, worth investigating and worth thinking about.

The concept Bruce started with was within him. He created that. It wasn’t something that he was gifted with that YOU are not. He was just fearless. He didn’t listen to those fearful thought or pesky little voices we all have in our heads – he just did it. He took action.

So I challenge you to think big (maybe even bold and a bit reckless) about your next project, or series of artwork or how you approach or think about your work. Create your vision. Aim for the stars and go for it!