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Producer of the Week: Non_mooching_artist

Posted by sdesapio 10 years, 9 months ago to Featured Producers
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Non_mooching_artist shares the profound impact “Atlas Shrugged” had on her as well as how Galt’s Gulch and its inhabitants have inspired her creativity.

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QUICK FACTS

*Favorite Ayn Rand book:
I am hard pressed to choose just one. “The Virtue of Selfishness” and “Atlas Shrugged” would be tied for the top spot, and yet “Anthem” stirred something within me. I would have to say that the acknowledgement of finding that “I” is the most powerful word at the disposal of man moved me. I can proudly say that both of my children have read and understood its meaning.

*Favorite Ayn Rand Character:
Howard Roark, hands down. He was the ideal of what “The Virtue of Selfishness” taught. I work hard to live by those teachings.

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Q & A

*When were you first introduced to Ayn Rand?
I remember seeing “Atlas Shrugged” on my mom’s bookshelf, but she died before I got to ask her about it. It was on my list of books I wanted to read; I think it was about 6 years ago, I was in our local book shop and I saw it. I bought it, read it, and felt like a light switch had been thrown! I was asking everyone I knew if they’d read it, and if yes, if it had affected them as profoundly as I felt it had me.

From there I saw the Atlas Society’s website but it was lacking something for me. When I saw that “Atlas Shrugged” was going to become a movie, I swear, I did a happy dance! Then I saw the Galt’s Gulch Online website on Facebook, and the circle has expanded exponentially.

*How has Ayn Rand influenced your life?
I feel that Ayn Rand confirmed what I believed: That work on one’s own behalf should be rewarded, and it is not wrong to feel justified in expecting to be compensated for effort. That moochers and looters are real and the true enemy of mankind. That we sadly, at this present moment, are living the reality of “Atlas Shrugged”.

*What passion project are you working on now?
I have started my own fine art business, Blue Sky Canvas, which is easier said than done. Any creative endeavor isn’t a compulsory act, and the creative muse can be elusive. I find that interacting with the amazing people I’ve come to know in the Gulch has inspired me more than I can say, and for that, I thank you all.

*How did you hear about Galt’s Gulch Online?
I saw an Ayn Rand quote one day on Facebook, liked it, and followed it to the Gulch website. I didn’t think twice about whether or not to be a producer. The hardest part was coming up with the right “name”. I think it fits.

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ON THE WEB

*Facebook: Coming soon - my business Facebook page. I will post in the Gulch when it passes muster.

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  • Posted by khalling 10 years, 9 months ago
    Q and A with non-mooch:
    1. what are you wearing to the ASIII premiere?
    2.what is the one phrase AR wrote that stopped you in your tracks?
    3.If you could be the tycoon of an industry-which industry would you pick?
    4.what do you pack in a sack lunch?
    5. fav current song
    6.pretzels or chips?
    7. what auto would you choose to run the baja 1000?
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  • Posted by Herb7734 10 years, 9 months ago
    I remember reading the Fountainhead when I was in my teens. I read it over and over. I remembered seeing the movie, but I was so young I didn't fully understand it, but somehow it felt uplifting. After almost reading the print off of the book, I went out and bought two copies in soft cover, tore out Roark's speech, and taped the whole thing to the wall of my bedroom so I could see it and read it over whenever I felt I needed inspiration.
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  • Posted by JossAmbrose 10 years, 8 months ago
    Nice to be able to put a face to the name. Great post, right there with you with the 'light switch being thrown'. ;]
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    • Posted by Non_mooching_artist 10 years, 8 months ago
      Thank you, Joss. :-). I've had great time on the post this week.

      It's profound isn't it? That aha moment when you know you weren't the odd one after all. (Well, I'm still odd, just not in that regard).
      ;-)
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      • Posted by JossAmbrose 10 years, 8 months ago
        I used to go to church many years ago. I was genuinely fascinated by the 'meaning of life'. Needless to say, everything taught in church was about denial of the self.

        Many 'Christians' I knew were quite happy to submit their all to the Great Unknown, & accept whatever happened to them - good or bad, as God's will. Somehow, they seemed to remain 'joyful' in all of it, which, for a reason I could never put my finger on, made me feel SO ANGRY! I on the other hand could never quite let go of ME. I just couldn't. It took me a while to realise just how miserable I'd become by trying to stop myself from having a life. I ended up very depressed & saw no purpose in living by the end of it. I bailed.

        By chance - & curiosity, I ran into AS. Well that changed a few things I can tell you! For one - & I suppose most importantly for me, it explained why I felt SO ANGRY at this blind submission. Ooohhh I hated it. HATE HATE HATE!

        And yeah, I'm still pretty odd: I'm the only person I know in the UK like me. That said, I'm signed up the UK Objectivist Association forum (UKOA) but to be honest, I don't have much in common with others on the list. I'm sure they're all nice people but I get the feeling I'm a bit too whacky for them.
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        • Posted by Non_mooching_artist 10 years, 8 months ago
          I completely understand what you mean. That has happened when I was at church with my cousin when we were little. Everybody looked so rapt! I thought I had to be, and wondered what was wrong with me. Then, I don't remember what clicked, but I knew I didn't believe what was being said, and that was that. All good. :-)

          I'm glad you're the person you're meant to be. Any who look askance can go hang. ;-p
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  • Posted by $ kathywiso 10 years, 9 months ago
    Congratulations NMA.. You surely deserve this recognition. I have enjoyed your writings in The Gulch and remember you posting some pictures quite a while ago and they were excellent !! Also remember the day you visited John Galt and his creepy house...kept waiting for you to get back.. I was prepared to drive the 4 hours to make sure you were safe.. LOL...
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    • Posted by Non_mooching_artist 10 years, 8 months ago
      Thank you, Kathy!!! I don't know how I missed seeing this. It would have not been as sweet without you :-)
      Thinking back on that day still makes me laugh out loud. I have no doubt in my mind you would have driven up here, pistol locked and cocked! I have to go stealth mode some night and snap a photo of the JG house looking like an axe murders dream house. It really does... 👀🍹🍹Cheers!
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      • Posted by $ kathywiso 10 years, 8 months ago
        I am laughing so hard right now. I was so glad to hear you made it out alive...with those dead animals in the yard and the windows blocked with fire wood... Don't take any more pics... Thank You for the compliment. We have time for more fun, I have just been really busy with lots of changes...apologies :-) I am so proud of you. !!
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  • Posted by fivedollargold 10 years, 8 months ago
    1) What sort of fine art business are you starting?
    2) Are you using Kickstarter or something similar for part of your financing?
    3) Is your business a brick & mortar store or online?
    4) If B & M, what part of the country? (I am assuming you are in the USA.)

    Good luck with it!!!!!
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