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.
This 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.
15 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.
Loved this post Nicholas! We do start something when we create — it makes us feel better and there is a ripple effect when others join in. Awesome perspective! Thank you.
Interesting and thought provoking. I had never thought of “my” art that way. I’ve thought of your art that way, and others who influence me and free me and give me pause, and I guess permission. But to put myself in that perspective is something I never would have done. Synchronicity is at work here. I’m currently reading (just started) “Sacred Contracts” by Caroline Myss. She talks about finding out why you’re here in this place right now. This book is all about archetypes but taken to a whole new level for me. Maybe you or some others on here have read it. What I’m expecting is to find out a whole lot more about myself than I know right this moment. What she promises in the beginning of the book is an exercise to do just that. And I’m excited.
So reading your post this morning meshed with what I think is going to happen in the next few days with Myss as my guide. Here I go with expectations again. But … here I go.
Thanks for posting this. 🙂
So glad to be a part of the creative arts movement. I am inspired by all of the comments posted and I’ll be picking up Sacredd Contracts soon (thank you Marti).
Nicholas – Thanks! This is exactly what I needed to hear right now.
Nicholas…are you ever going to put all of your ideas, art and inspiration into a book? You constantly encourage me with your words and thoughts…many thanks once again!
Yes I think you are right. Making art is an affirmation of creativity, and that radiates out in a ripple effect to other people. Looking at Paintings makes me want to paint. It activates my creativity button. When someone looks at one of my paintings they often ask how did I do this, how did I mix that, where did that come from? They have engaged with the ripple. And they take it from there!
I think this observation is as important as it is true. In my experience, the community of creative minds is a generous one not only, supporting one another but often agreeing to support requests for donations (of art )to raise funds for charitable organizations. Being a part of “the rising tide of creativity” feels like participating in a movement towards human positivity, insight, inspiration, growth and affirmation.
This is so true and inspiring. Some recent work of mine is hanging in the waiting areas at a local hospital. It has motivated me for a different purpose. There is no price tag to put on the healing effects of art.
Absolutely right on! Thanks for reminding me and us. This is how I change the world — I change myself by evolving to be the best that I can be. I teach this to my students too. That is how they change the world.
This is the first time I’ve commented because this made me smile this morning.
I moved away from my comfort zone in Chicago so I could be warm in Florida and I’m not finding the same inspiration. I’m glad you put my feelings about art into words.
thank you, dear nicholas. you have expressed something that we all need to hear, and to remember, again and again, and hold deeply in our hearts, like a prayer. to paint is to pass time in a holy space in which we remember what we are, and what we are not, where time stands still, where borders do not exist – except where we create them! love to you, love to us all…
Your words, beginning with “to paint is…” struck me as so beautiful and profound that I have printed them out in large type to hang in my studio. I hope that’s ok. And thank you.
This one really spoke to me !!! This day I take my 4’ x 5’ painting to two neat Artzy friends who have graciously offer to share their talent with me …. I have decide to be totally open to any and all possibilities!!! Thank you so much for all your messages!!!
Great message. I teach classes locally, and I feel this is 3/4 of my job when I teach.. I LOVE this part of my job.
Wow! That’s profound thanks!