Maybe I do write are, and maybe not. Why that matters is personal.
The arts are highly subjective.
Whatever the medium, the arts will awaken and excite some, frighten and disgust others, while simultaneously having zero impact on still others. It really does depend on you, your tastes, your environment, and more.
I recently read an article lamenting how Hollywood barely gives a shit about a classic, well-written film over a comic-book movie. It also compared modern literature to classics and lamented how books aren’t what they used to be.
No doubt, this is the truth. But then the question of – what is art, how do you define it, and what do you make of it? – all come into play. Do we limit true art to painters like Picasso, authors like Steinbeck, sculptors like Michelangelo, and the like?
No, because art evolves and changes over time. Likewise, what appeals to me might not appeal to you, and vice versa.
Art is subjective.
Still, I wonder – is what I write art? And is that important?
Art covers a lot of ground
Art has been controversial throughout history.
Fig leaves were added to create modesty on classic paintings at one time. Certain artistic expressions have been called pornographic. And numerous books have been banned – usually because they contain ideas that awaken free thought and artistic expression – and that scares certain people in power.
Because art is so variable and subjective, what it consists of is often questionable. For example, there’s a certain painter of landscapes I find dull as dirt and lacking in energy. Some people love these. Similarly, I’ve read classics of literature I found boring and painful that others laud as greats. Likewise, there are works of classical music revered for centuries I don’t care for and avoid as such.
Are these art? Yes. But they’re not art I like.
Thus, when I write my sci-fi and fantasy – and even nonfiction – yes, it’s art.
No, it’s not high-minded art. I am not yet creating anything that will change the landscapes or genres. But they are still creative works of the imagination – and thus they’re art.
Why is it important that I write art?
There are a few reasons why this is important to me.
More than being a writer, which is my vocation, being an artist is a greater part of my identity. That’s why it matters to me – and who I strive to be – that I write art.
In his phenomenal work The War of Art – if you haven’t read this, do yourself a favor and get it – Steven Pressfield talks about turning pro. One of the biggest differences between a professional and an amateur is their self-identity.
The professional doesn’t talk about being a writer – it’s the vocation. That’s what they do. But it’s a mask or coat they wear and not who they are, ultimately. The amateur, on the other hand, will talk ceaselessly about their identity as a writer. The biggest difference, however, is that the amateur tends to have no finished work while the pro has completed works.
I recognize I call myself a writer often – but this is a complete work, and so are the books I’ve published. But that’s why artist is the real identity I seek to convey for myself.
Artist is a broader identity
There are arts in addition to writing that I take part in.
I enjoy cooking, singing, photography, woodworking, and several other arts outside of writing.
In High School and college, I was an actor, director, producer, and radio DJ. I’ve done lots of stagecraft, including theatre sound, lights, and set building. Overall, I’m a halfway decent carpenter and interior house painter.
Hence – artist is my identity.
But since my moneymaker is writing and storytelling – artist is the broader stroke by which I identify.
Why does this matter? Because I believe that the arts overall don’t get the respect they deserve. Non-artistic celebrities and athletes get tons of attention – but do we know much about the celebrities and athletes of ancient Greece, Egypt, or even Elizabethan England? Not to my knowledge.
But we DO know the art of those periods.
And not all of it is the high-minded, life-influencing art so many hold as the high standard. There’s plenty of historic art that’s largely functional. But it’s still art, and art is part of what teaches us history.
It’s not that I do art to be part of history. It’s all about my deep respect for the arts and desire to make them approachable and appreciated by as broad an audience as possible. Also, by identifying as an artist I desire to contribute to keeping art approachable to awaken inspiration in others.
Yes, I write art
Is that important? Truth be told – only to me.
But that’s a part of my identity as an artist. In the grand scheme of things, no, it’s not important.
However – who is in your head, heart, and soul? Just you. Likewise, I alone am in my head, heart, and soul. Ergo – my identity is important to me as yours is important to you.
When what you are is an artist, what you do is probably art, too. And a great many things that aren’t traditional art remain art nonetheless.
The only control you have over anything in this life is over yourself. Your mindset/headspace/psyche self. And this is maintained in large part via mindfulness.
Your conscious awareness of your thoughts, feelings, actions, and intentions can be controlled only by you. How you identify, as such, is in your control.
If, like me, you consider yourself an artist – that makes this important. Hence why I say the answer to the question – do I write art? – is yes.
How I identify myself isn’t important to you. How you identify yourself is. Recognizing and expressing identity is empowering. And probably the biggest desire I have in this life is to encourage empowerment in others. Knowing and embracing your identity empowers you to do some pretty amazing things.
If you write art or otherwise make art, can you see how artist as identity empowers you?
Be inspired to be your own creator, whatever form that takes.
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