Why Should We Create Art?

Last night I was having a conversation with my girlfriend and that question was asked. I thought about it for an hour before I fell asleep. I woke up this morning still thinking about it. I’ve been on Medium for about two months now, but have yet written a blog. After thinking so much into the question and trying to disect it I decided this is going to be the topic of my first blog.

What is the purpose of creating art? Is it for fame, for money, for others to like it, or is it much more? I am a spoken word artist and have done a few local shows in my town. My favorite part is not the perfomance. That part is actually the most nerve racking for me. My favorite part of performing is the one or two people that come up to me after and share how they related to my poems. Before the show we walked past each other and didn’t think anything of it, but now something was different. We have become connected. A door of conversation was opened. I believe when we put ourselves into something then share it it is terrifying, but it’s a freeing experience.

Who am I? To create art you have to have some confidence to put your work out there and think that it matters. For me I stand in front of a group of people and perform my writings and have to be confiendent enough to think that people want to hear me. Some people probably think “Who’s this asshole and will he please shut the fuck up?” Think about the seven billion people all over the world. Now add every human that has ever existed to that. What makes you think that your poem, book, painting, song, skyscraper, video game design, etc…matter? I wish I had an answer to that. I have to come to understand that what I create will probably not change the world, but I still desire to create. Most people who start to read this blog may not even read this far, but if one person does and it encourages them in some way it was worth it. If no one ever reads this at least I got out what I needed to.

What drives you? There’s a passion in me to write. First for me so my thoughts will leave me alone, but second to build relationships with people. As a christian I believe I create because I was created. G-d who created me put this desire in me to do the same. Others create art because they want money (if thats you good luck), some just to be remembered after they die, or to simply survive. The list of what compels you to do what you do can go on and on. It’s up to you to find it.

Resistence is a bitch. Steven Pressfield writes about “Resistence” in his book The War of Art. It is anything that distracts you and keeps you from creating. For me social media is the worst. Why would I want to do something myself when I could indulge in what others create? It never satisfies me, but if I continue to distract myself more I don’t feel the dissatisfaction. I have to sit down and put my phone away and force myself to write. Even through this blog it’s been tough, but nothing can compaire to the sense of acomplishment I receive from finally finishing.