People often ask me why I named my company after Icarus (a Greek mythological character who ultimately fails) and I usually give some vague answer about the character and his story reflecting my own approach to life--a strategy of unrelenting determination and hope, often colored by foolishness and naivety. Let's be clear, to attempt a life in the arts takes a measure of stupid optimism. But, I've always been one to keep going, to never back down (even when I probably should have). Sometimes I sail too close to the sun on wings of wax, but I've also found that my greatest success has come from taking those leaps of faith and bucking against the norm.
That is a very long answer for someone who was just asking a passing question with mild curiosity.
Today I heard a quote by Fred Shero, through my friend Mark Heimann (himself a talented and crazy artist), that perfectly sums up my feelings about committing to the often uncertain and difficult life of an artist and choosing the icon of Icarus to represent my work. I am going to use this quote from now on: “Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must first set yourself on fire."
More info on potter Mark Heimann at his website. More info on Icarus illustrator Emily Golden at her blog.
