Are you a creative person? Do you have a drive or a burning desire to create? It doesn’t matter what style or medium you use, creativity and the arts are basic instincts for humans. Music, architecture, building, theater, visual arts and other forms of expression are what separate humans from beasts. Humanity craves art and creativity, it drives ingenuity and invention and helps to soothe the savage soul.
Inspiration can take many forms. In ancient times the Greeks believed that muses would drive and inspire artists, poets, and musicians. Others find inspiration through God, nature and life experiences. Emotions most often flow from the creative genius into their work of art. Muses can be fickle from time to time however and the desire to create can leave and artist in the dust. When the mood strikes though artists, can create history.
Ancient ancestors created art to record their histories. Decorations and creativity also leaked into everyday life in their pottery, jewelry, and clothing. The Egyptians created a standard of using art as a status symbol and that idea exists still today through the ownership or creation of art that holds high monetary or aesthetic value.
Does Knowing Why You Create Matter?
Knowing why you create can help you to overcome the biggest hurdles any creative person has to surmount. Creativity comes with a certain amount of doubt and lack of confidence. Many artists can seem confident in their work but are likely plagued by self-doubt and insecurities. It has been said by many a wise soul over the centuries that a person’s greatest critic is often their own self.
Many budding young artists can feel like imposters that don’t belong in the field. Their desire to create art can easily be dampened by feelings of inadequacy. So knowing the reason why you create can help you to overpower those doubts with assurances that your art has a purpose. A reason to create can also inspire you, the artist, to practice and improve upon your craft. Take any criticisms and use them constructively to achieve your goals and help your audience to come to the same understanding of your purpose and intent.
I Have a Therapist, His Name is ART
Art and creating art is a commonly used tool for therapists and the common person alike. The creation of art can be a release for the emotional stress of the day or life in general. The art of creating can give us a sense of control or power for a time. It can help people understand their lives and the world around them. The creation of art can help you work through your problems by turning them into a sort of narrative.
Creating art as a form of therapy has many different applications. Art can be used to help people feel peace; colors and geometric designs can calm people. Creating art can help to release stress and create a quiet environment for contemplation. Art can also be expressive, splatter art and other more lively techniques and styles are a great release for anger and frustration. Art can also just be a great way for someone who isn’t very comfortable to express their emotions and convey how they are feeling. “An artist can show things that other people are terrified of expressing.” -Louise Bourgeois.
Creating art can also help create happier people. Positive reinforcement from teachers, parents and peers can help children and even adults overcome insecurities. A person who is confident and proud of their accomplishments is more likely to succeed than someone who is fighting an uphill battle against disapproving mentors. With positive reinforcement, an artist will be more driven to create and improve their craft and will be happier in their creative efforts.
Practice Art No Matter How Well or Ill
Not every artist had a natural talent for the work. In fact, there are many creative people out there who may not have the same flare for art as the great masters. Because of their creative rush, they continue to produce works of art just the same. Children and adults the world around have creative inclinations and whether or not those people are good at their craft doesn’t really matter as long as they enjoy the process of creating.
It truly doesn’t matter if a person is good at art to be able to create. If they enjoy their endeavors then who is to stop them from creating. Pablo Picasso said, “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” The 10,000-hour rule applies just as equally to art as it does to any other endeavor. The 10,000-hour rule suggested by author Malcolm Gladwell in his book, Outliers, suggests that if you truly wish to master any craft it is possible with practice. 10,000 hours of practice to be specific. It may not actually take exactly 10,000 hours of practice but as any mother who tells their child to practice knows, practice can only improve your skills.
Art Is Freedom
Whatever styles you enjoy from the baroque to the impressionist art can be freeing and exhilarating. It should make you feel things and move you. Artists put their heart and soul into their work, all in an effort to show you something new. Find that thing that you are good at, or maybe not so good at but you enjoy. Pursue your creative passions and live a creative life. Learn, and practice and become the artist you always wanted to be and embrace your creative side. Like the great artists before you, learn that art doesn’t have to follow the rules, it can be whatever you want it to be. “Learn the rules like a pro so you can break them like an artist.” -Pablo Picasso
Don’t wait around for the validation of others, if you are waiting for that first big sale, or a publisher to finally accept your manuscript then you aren’t doing yourself any favors. Remember that many great artists were not accepted at first; the manuscript for Harry Potter was turned down by 12 publishers. If you don’t allow yourself to create because you are waiting for that stamp of approval then you will never succeed.
