I was writing in my journal the other morning and lamenting on the fact that I often have stories laid out in my head, but have to go through the process of typing them out, which can seem to take forever. It made me realize that I have to sacrifice my time in order to make art.
It comes with the territory. Art isn’t easy. It takes time, practice, and even costs money. But we do it anyway because we have to. It’s in our DNA. We write, we draw, we paint, we make music. Each one comes with its ups and downs.
When I was younger – pre-home computer days – I wrote all my poems and stories my hand, or I used a very old and belligerent manual typewriter, and I often ended up with finger and wrist cramps. When I was learning to play guitar, I ended up with cuts on the pads of my fingers before I built up some callouses.
But sacrifices like these – time, cramps, a few minor cuts – pale in comparison to what others have sacrificed for their art. Some sacrificed time with their loved ones. Some sacrificed successful careers in other professions and ended up destitute. Some sacrificed their sanity, their freedom, and their lives.
As the world turns colder and authoritarian governments begin to take hold, art becomes more important. Art is a way for not only artists to express themselves, but for the audience to find something to connect with. Art allows the reader/viewer/listener an opportunity to find expression for the feelings and ideas they may not be able to give voice to.
Art is about connectivity, expression, rebellion, and unity. We need that now more than ever.
What do you think?
RB
I love how you talked about the connection between the artist and the audience. It’s so true that we do it because we have to – but that connection helps keep us grounded.
Wonderfully said, Richard! 💞💞💞
Thanks so much, Dawn. I’m glad this resonated with you. 🙂
My art, my writing, is a time suck. I spend more time. on writing than I should…it is a guilty pleasure. I would write three times as much as I do now. I sacrifice good time with writing for no apparent reason.
It sounds like passion to me, Devonne. You love words, you love what you can do with them. I think that’s wonderful.
Very important message, Richard! And I completely agree.
Since I do digital art, my sacrifice is to maintain patience with electronics.
But when I started, I had a very old and slow device and no smart pen. I got impatient and my finger hurt from using it so much to draw. But even then I got a lot of love from the community on here, so it was totally worth it 🙂
And I am so grateful for the artists that have given me so much joy in all forms. Imagine a world without books, music, films, podcasters, painters…
Patience is definitely a requirement to be an artist, Andrea, and it shows in your creations.
And I agree, a world without art in all its many forms would be a gray, unpleasant place to live.
Thanks for stopping by, my friend!
Absolutely Richard
Thank you, Sheree.
😎
When you mentioned art and sacrifice in the same sentence, my thoughts went to my poetry writing. I get my inspiration to write when I’ve experienced a challenge, something that I observe that challenges me or injustices that I observe, etc. By putting my thoughts on ‘paper’, I find some resolution. At the same time, a friend pointed out that a poem is never finished.
That’s interesting, Jasper. I used to find inspiration in difficultly, but lately (mostly after COVID) I tend to find mine in nature. But poetry is a wonderful way to work through things we struggle with. And I believe your friend may be correct. I don’t think any work of art is ever completely finished. We always end up thinking about it afterwards and making little tweaks to it in our heads.
I should add that many times I hear a pithy comment that just won’t go away.
On a recent Indigenous themed shirt purchase I requested some minor changes. When I asked whether I pay on ordering or on delivery she was adamant that it would be on delivery. She wanted to be sure I was completely satisfied first. My comment to her was, I guess you like to sleep at night. To which she replied, I don’t want you chasing me in your dreams. I told her I love that line and don’t be surprised if that shows up in a poem.
It’s fascinating how we can find little tidbits like this out in the wild.I hope that line showed up!
Already on board. But I am pushed to buy a keyboard so I can resume my piano playing. My husband sold my piano over a decade ago when we moved. The keyboard has been on my to do list since then. I don’t compose but I sight read at the advanced beginner stage.
That’s fantastic, Pat! I can doodle around on a piano, but I can’t read music. Looking forward to your first concert! 🙂