O Father, Where Art Thou? Where New Ideas Need Champions.

Parents shape the way we think and see the world, and they inevitably bring with them a personal history we only glimpse. As I think about the imprint left on me by my father--an Abstract Expressionist artist, a literary agent, an editor and an author--what rises to the top is his unrelenting drive towards the advancement of new ideas and ways of looking at the world. That contribution has given me an invaluable roadmap for how to bring forward new ideas of my own, and how to help champion the ideas of others.

1) Be a Champion For Undervalued Ideas

My father's passion for advancing new ways of thinking manifested early in his career as an Abstract Expressionist painter in the 1940s (here's an image of a painting by him). At the time, he and a few others were driving towards contributing to a new and uniquely American form of "high art." American art was neither valued nor recognized as worthy within the art community back then. He choose to be part of a small group of artists living in New York City and East Hampton, New York that sought to challenge that prevailing view--and succeeded in doing so.

2) Remember That Substance Transcends Style

At the time when my father was painting, he and others were developing what might be looked at as a particular artistic style. For example, Jackson Pollock and William de Kooning (turns out he knew them both) developed a "look" that many recognize. But here was his take on style: the medium, or way of communicating, was only the vehicle through which a more important idea was expressed. He and others were trying to make a larger statement, not simply create a new aesthetic. In other words, contrary to famous Marshal McLuhan, the medium isn't always the message. Or the "what" trumps the "how."

3) Tell Your Own Story (In Multiple Mediums)

To promote the artistic works that he and others were creating, my father was also the editor of a literary journal called Iconograph that sought to put words to the largely visual art movement they were advancing. I bet there were many other art movements that started out small but never gained traction; this move, however, made sure that the work they were so passionate about was explained and documented.

One consequence of that activity: art scholars calling our house years later asking questions about the paintings on our walls for the books they were writing. When these book published, I would often scan the index of the book for my father's name to see what quotes were attributed to him as a member of the avant-garde. Here's the cover of one such book titled "Reframing Abstract Expressionism." This documentation makes up a very small part of the story of American art.

4) Champion People With Powerful Ideas That Are Unheard

Later in life, my father's passion towards letting new ideas flourish endured through a literary agency he established in New York City. During this phase in his career, he worked with countless authors to get their works published. In some cases, it was about choosing works that he believed could have commercial success. In other cases, when he would have a passion for a unique idea or perspective, he would work with authors to give that view of the world exposure to the broader world by helping to get it published. I also found that to be noble pursuit, especially since it involved taking a personal financial risk.

5) Teach People How to Make Their Ideas Flourish

Towards the end of his career, he decided that the best way to help others bring their ideas into the world would be to write a series of "how to" books: how to write and sell your own novel or non-fiction book. These books talked about most every aspect of this endeavor, ranging from how you might pitch your idea in the form of a book proposal to how you can tackle the potentially daunting tasking of writing at book-length. He took what he learned over many years of experience and put it out there for aspiring writers to help their voices be heard.