Nothing begins with us.
some thoughts
The more we pay attention, the more we realize that all the work we do is a collaboration. It’s a partnership with the art that came before and the art that will follow. It's intertwined with the world we live in, our experiences, the tools we use, our audience, and who we are today.
The "self" has many facets. You can create something, love it, and the next day, see it in a completely different light. The inspired artist within you may clash with the craftsperson, frustrated by the struggle to bring a vision to life. This conflict is common among creators because there’s no straightforward path from abstract thought to tangible form. The work is always an interpretation.
Artists wear many hats, and creativity is an internal dialogue between these aspects of self. The negotiation continues until these selves unite to create the best work possible.
The work itself also wears different hats. You may create something and think you know exactly what it is. Someone else may experience it and believe they understand it, yet your interpretations could be entirely different. What’s fascinating is that neither perspective is wrong, and both are right.
This isn't something to worry about. If the artist is happy with their creation and the viewer feels something from it, it doesn't matter if their experiences align. It’s impossible for anyone to experience your work in the same way you do, or as anyone else does. You might have a clear idea of what a piece means or why it’s pleasing, while someone else might like or dislike it for entirely different reasons.
The purpose of the work is to awaken something within you first, and then stir something within others. It’s okay if these are different things. We can only hope that the intensity of what we feel resonates just as powerfully with others.
What’s considered art is just an agreement, and none of it is truly definitive. What is true is that you are never alone when making art. You are in a constant dialogue with the past and the present, and the more you tune into this conversation, the better you can serve the work before you.
Life itself is an intricate web of interconnectedness. Our actions, thoughts, and creations are not isolated incidents but part of a continuum that transcends individual existence. We are conduits of an ongoing dialogue that includes our predecessors and successors, nature, society, and the myriad experiences that shape our consciousness.
To observe is to participate in this dialogue. Each moment of awareness is an opportunity to recognize the multitude of influences that converge in our actions and creations. This realization brings a profound sense of humility, as we understand that our contributions are threads in a vast, ever-evolving tapestry.
The "self" is not a fixed entity but a fluid amalgamation of experiences, perceptions, and responses. Just as the artist revisits their work with fresh eyes, we too can see our lives and actions anew, continually evolving in our understanding and expression. This fluidity is essential in navigating the complexities of creation and life itself.
The dialogue within, between the different aspects of our "self," mirrors the larger conversation with the world around us. Creativity, then, is not merely a personal endeavor but a harmonious integration of inner and outer realities. The unity of these facets is what gives depth and authenticity to our work.
Ultimately, the essence of our existence and creativity lies in this dynamic interplay. We are never truly alone, for we are always part of a larger, ongoing conversation. By tuning into this exchange, we can find our place in the continuum and contribute meaningfully to the collective journey of discovery and creation.
Much Love,
M