Why Do Artists Walk Away From Their Comfort Zones?
We should steal the thoughts and lifestyles of other artists. Give an artistic life a try!
Oddly, many artists throughout history seem to be searching for suffering, while most people’s life goal is to find their comfort zone. However, for artists, it’s not suffering, it’s simply life. I admire their way of life and have discovered some common fascinating reasons for it.
1. Artist Loves New Things.
Thom Yorke, the frontman of Radiohead, and his creative partner Stanley Donwood are due to open a new art exhibition in London from September 6th to 10th. As a well-known singer and songwriter, Thom is famous for constantly seeking new challenges. He has mentioned that whenever he feels his songwriting is becoming too comfortable or stale, he’ll pick up an instrument he doesn’t know how to play and try to write with it. He happily embraces being an amateur in order to pursue unfamiliar experiences.
I experimented a lot. Sometimes I worked with a lens that I had when I might have preferred another lens. I think Picasso once said that he wanted to use green in a painting but since he didn’t have it he used red. Perfection is not something I admire. A touch of confusion is a desirable ingredient. — Saul Leiter
Nobody likes to make mistakes and then publish their work and wait for feedback. It’s a nightmare we’re all afraid of. However, as an artist, this is part of the work process and is considered a gift of room to grow and learn.
2. Artists Like Funny Things.
Usually being the right thing in the wrong space and the wrong thing in the right space is worth it, because something funny always happens. — Andy Warhol
The upside of staying in a comfort zone is that everything is expected and predictable, which can create a sense of peace. However, it is also difficult to experience anything shocking or memorable.
Marcel Duchamp, who famously displayed a toilet bowl in a gallery, once said that he always looked for the humorous aspects of life and shared them with others. He believed that finding the funny side of life could bring joy even on the most serious days. This perspective influenced his creation of Dada and Conceptual art, which often confused viewers and sparked lively debates.
Nowadays, the most popular content on social media is funny memes. Step out of your comfort zone and search for humor in your daily lives.
Joan Cornella has 3.4 million followers on Instagram. His humor is often tinted with serious undertones, which creates a unique and compelling style.
3. Artists Trust Their Chemistry.
Some people often think that artists are too spontaneous, and lacking in plans and strategies. This can sometimes seem naive and immature. However, many great artists have talked about the beauty of working randomly by following their intuition. This is also one of the reasons why many artists cannot explain their artworks.
Do what your inner soul tells you to do, regardless of any money or success it will bring you. — Etel Adnan
We often discover solutions or ideas in unexpected or even failing situations, rather than in an organized manner. This can shed light on our creativity and encourage thinking outside the box.
I feel if I work randomly, I come up with a more interesting narrative. — Jean-Michel Basquiat
Jean-Michel Basquiat is a symbol of freedom in both his life and work. Graffiti work cannot be planned in advance — the location, materials, and sketch are all improvised. With an idea and feeling, the artwork is created freely, and we love it because we can feel the spirit and soul in the art. That’s the most important part of art.
4. Artists Want To Stay As Children.
I am always fascinated by the way kids create their own world. That is something I am very attentive to anywhere I go. — Francis Alys
Many artists admire the idea of staying childlike, keeping their curiosity, obsession, and selfishness. As Picasso said, “All children are artists.”
Before society polishes and rounds us, we are more human and creative. Being a child includes a lot of failure, new challenges, and experimenting with unnecessary things while still preserving our ego. Never forget the spirit and thoughts of our childhood. It ain’t be that difficult because everyone has done it already.
Artists are people who are allowed a certain social privilege to act out in ways that adults aren’t supposed to act out. — Mike Kelley
5. Artists Love Nature.
When writers or other artists are struggling with writer’s block or are stuck on a new idea or concept, our ancestors often suggest going for a walk. Being close to nature not only involves walking but also helps us move and evolve our thinking and mindset.
Nature is beautiful, not because it changes beautifully, but simply because it changes. — Nam June Paik
Joseph Beuys, a German artist who was Nam Jun Paik’s role model and art partner, was known for his deep appreciation and respect for nature. He believed that nature held the cure for many of humanity’s problems and sought to incorporate natural elements into his art. Beuys’ ideas greatly influenced Nam Jun Paik, who shared his passion for environmentalism and also incorporated natural elements into his own works. Together, they explored the intersections between art, nature, and technology, creating thought-provoking pieces that continue to inspire artists today.
In summary, art is not solely about the final product or result; it’s also about our attitude towards life. Artists seek out their uncomfortable zones, embrace new experiences, have a unique sense of humor, trust their chemistry and intuition, admire the idea of staying childlike, and have a deep appreciation and respect for nature.
How about we try to escape our comfort zones and live like true artists, in pursuit of a more meaningful life?
