I have just one thought this week and it keeps coming up again and again for me. It has to do with one of the primary, worthwhile reasons to make your art. It has nothing to do with what you hope to get out of it. Not monetarily. Not even notoriety. None of that.
And even though art making is what brings you alive it isn’t even about that part either.
Sometimes Art making is super hard and pushes you to your edge. Some days it feels like you are totally ill equipped to be even trying. Other days you feel like you and your art are on top of the world. But that isn’t the reason I am talking about either.
The reason is entirely outside of ourselves…
And this is it:
Making personal, authentic art gives the rest of the world permission to do the same.
If we have the courage to step it up, to actually investigate what, who and why we are, in connection to our art, then it offers, by example, the possibility for others to do the same. And this has a huge impact in the world.
What begins quietly in your studio by no means stays there. It becomes part of something moving, something bigger.
Making personal, authentic art gives the rest of the world permission to do the same. NW Share on XThis shared momentum; this rising tide of creativity and possibility is the best place to be as an artist. I think most of you have experienced this place. The support and inspiration found by witnessing the success of others makes anything possible for the rest of us.
I know first hand that I first make my Art firstly for me but I also know that it is not just about making art for myself anymore. I also know I need to make it for you too. We need to make it for each other.
And that, makes it all even more worthwhile.
9 Comments
Hi! I’m
Nicholas Wilton
the founder of Art2Life.
With over 20 years experience as a working artist and educator, I’ve developed a systematic approach that brings authenticity, spontaneity and joy back into the creative process.
Join me and artists from all over the world in our Free Art2Life Artists Facebook Group or learn more here about Art2Life.
Now – please keep reminding us how to get closer and closer to understanding how to express the “feeling” part! It’s one of those things I understand logically but sometimes not in action. Thanks for all your insight!
Yes, I know what you mean! “Go with the flow..” Yes, I keep forgetting that, too!, like “Keep breathing.” um. yes. Glad that one is unconscious most of the time! I love what you teach, Nicholas!!!! THANK YOU! Thanks for being YOU!
Another great blog and thank you for sharing that you too at times forget your way on the path from head to heart. Again, thank you for the kind reminder….
Sometimes your posts are so wise and true they make me cry. Other times that are just damn helpful. Right now I’m crying.
thank you for this reminder and for how it confirms what I am doing right now. I stopped painting during the art2life class … I stopped doing the projects … I just stopped because all I was doing was thinking.
I have started painting solely from what I feel and am finally beginning to feel like I can go back to the lessons. I understand now that I have to have an ongoing project which is separate from the lessons … knowing that I can go back and apply the lessons in real time or in redoing elements in completed paintings.
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.
painting from the heart! Love it and will remember it each painting session in my studio. Thank you for sharing!
I agree 100%. This quote resonates with your post: “The main thing is to be moved, to love, to hope, to tremble, to live.” ~Auguste Rodin
Oh YES. To remember is devine