To Make Art or Not to Make Art, Is That a Question?

A few considerations for us all

a single chord strummed on a guitar in an empty room

Have you ever wondered about the beauty of sound and words? How they can create something meaningful and powerful, even if no one is there to witness it? In what ways is a single chord strummed on a guitar in an empty room the same as a single line of a poem that no one ever reads or hears when both are beautiful?

Beauty is subjective.

I don’t think beauty is dependent on the audience. Beauty is subjective, yes, but it is also intrinsic. It is something that exists in the object or the expression itself, not in the perception of others. So, a single chord or a single line can be beautiful on their own, regardless of whether anyone hears or reads them.

Both a chord and a line are forms of communication. They are ways of expressing something, whether it is an emotion, an idea, a story, or anything else. They are symbols that convey meaning, even if the meaning is not clear or shared by anyone else. They are like messages in a bottle, thrown into the ocean of silence. Both a chord and a line are manifestations of creativity. They are products of human imagination and skill, of the ability to create something out of nothing. They are examples of art, of the desire to make something beautiful and meaningful. They are expressions of the self, of the individuality and uniqueness of the creator.

So, in what ways are they the same? They are both beautiful, communicative, creative expressions of the self. They are both forms of art that exist independently of the audience. They are both messages in a bottle that may or may not be found by someone else. But does that make them less valuable? Less meaningful? Less impactful? I don’t think so. I think they are valuable because they exist. Because they are part of the human experience. Because they enrich the world with their beauty and their meaning. Because they reflect the soul of the creator.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the different forms of artistic expression and how they relate to each other. One question that came to my mind is: in what ways is the creation of a novel and the playing of chords on a guitar just for the creation of a moment of beauty the same or overlapping? Indeed, what is the range of emotion and enrichment available through any and all considerations of art and creativity?

Both activities require a lot of skill, creativity and dedication. They also involve a lot of imagination and emotion. Both novelists and guitarists have to craft their own stories and melodies, using words and sounds as their tools. They have to convey their feelings and thoughts to their audience, whether it’s a reader or a listener.

But there are also some differences between these two forms of art. A novel is a more permanent and structured product, while a guitar performance is more ephemeral and spontaneous. A novel can be read and re-read, analyzed and interpreted, while a guitar performance can only be experienced in the present moment. A novel has to follow certain rules of grammar, syntax and logic, while a guitar performance can be more free and experimental.

So, the creation of a novel and the playing of chords on a guitar just for the creation of a moment of beauty are both similar and different in some respects. They are both expressions of human creativity and emotion, but they also have their own unique features and challenges.

Because art is one of the ways we try to make sense of our existence

Obviously, I’m feeling a bit existential today, so I thought I’d share some of my thoughts on this question: If all life is incomprehensible and meaningless, what difference does any artistic creation have?

I know, it sounds pretty bleak, right? But hear me out. I think this question is actually very important for anyone who cares about art, whether as a creator or a consumer. Because art is one of the ways we try to make sense of our existence, to express ourselves, to communicate with others, to find joy and beauty in the world.

But if life itself has no inherent meaning or purpose, then what’s the point of creating or enjoying art? Does it matter if we write a poem, paint a picture, compose a song, or watch a movie? Does it make any difference to the universe or to ourselves?

Well, I don’t have a definitive answer to this question, but I have some ideas that might help us. Here are some of the reasons why I think artistic creation still matters, even if life is incomprehensible and possibly meaningless: Artistic creation is an act of freedom. We can choose what we want to create, how we want to create it, and why we want to create it. We can express our individuality, our emotions, our opinions, our values, our dreams. We can challenge the status quo, question the norms, explore the possibilities. We can create something that is uniquely ours, that reflects who we are and what we care about. Artistic creation is an act of connection. We can share our creations with others, and in doing so, we can connect with them on a deeper level. We can inspire them, move them, teach them, learn from them. We can create a dialogue, a community, a culture. We can bridge the gaps between ourselves and others, between different perspectives and experiences, between the past and the future. Artistic creation is an act of discovery. We can learn new things about ourselves, about others, about the world through our creations. We can discover new skills, new techniques, new styles, new genres. We can discover new meanings, new insights, new questions. We can discover new ways of seeing, feeling, thinking, being.

So these are some of the reasons why I think artistic creation still matters. Of course, you might have different reasons or no reasons at all. And that’s okay too. Because ultimately, artistic creation is an act of choice. You get to decide whether you want to create or not, whether you want to enjoy or not. And maybe that’s the point. Maybe the difference that artistic creation makes is not in some objective or universal sense, but in a subjective and personal one. Maybe it’s not about finding meaning in life but creating meaning for yourself.

Which brings us to self-permission.

What does that mean? It means that the only person who can decide what you can or can’t do is yourself. Sounds simple, right? But it’s not always easy to follow.

Think about how many times you have let other people’s opinions, expectations, or judgments influence your choices. Maybe you wanted to pursue a certain career, but your parents told you it was too risky. Maybe you wanted to wear a certain outfit, but your friends said it was too flashy. Maybe you wanted to express your feelings, but your partner said it was too needy. How did that make you feel? Did you feel like you had to please them, or conform to their standards, or hide your true self?

If you did, then you were giving them permission to control your life. And that’s not healthy. You are the only one who knows what’s best for you, what makes you happy, what aligns with your values and goals. You are the only one who can give yourself permission to be yourself, and to do what you want to do. And you are the only one who can deny yourself permission to do something that harms you or others.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should ignore other people’s advice, feedback, or support. It also doesn’t mean that you should disregard the rules of society, or the consequences of your actions. It just means that you should listen to your own voice first, and trust your own judgment. You should respect yourself enough to follow your own path, and not let anyone else dictate it for you.

So how do you practice self-permission? Here are some tips: Be aware of your thoughts and feelings. Notice when you are feeling doubtful, insecure, guilty, or ashamed of yourself or your choices. Ask yourself: where is this coming from? Is it coming from me, or from someone else? Is it based on facts, or on assumptions? Is it helpful, or harmful? Challenge your limiting beliefs. If you have a negative thought about yourself or your abilities, such as “I can’t do this”, “I’m not good enough”, “I don’t deserve this”, etc., ask yourself: is this true? How do I know? What evidence do I have? What would I say to a friend who had the same thought? Affirm your positive qualities. Remind yourself of your strengths, skills, talents, achievements, and values. Write them down, say them out loud, or repeat them in your mind. Celebrate your successes, big and small. Appreciate yourself for who you are, and what you have done. Set healthy boundaries. Learn to say no to things that don’t serve you, or that go against your wishes. Don’t let anyone pressure you into doing something that you don’t want to do, or that makes you uncomfortable. Respect your own needs and preferences, and communicate them clearly and assertively. Take action. Don’t wait for someone else’s approval, permission, or validation to do what you want to do. Just do it! Take small steps towards your goals, dreams, and passions. Experiment with new things, explore new possibilities, and have fun along the way. Remember: self-permission is not selfishness. It’s self-respect. It’s self-love. It’s self-empowerment. And it’s the key to living a fulfilling and authentic life.

Some people might think that creating music or writing poetry is a waste of time. They might say that it’s not practical, profitable, or useful in any way. They might ask, what’s the point of making something that no one will ever see or hear? Why bother expressing yourself if no one cares?

But I disagree. I think that there is value in creating something for yourself, even if no one else ever appreciates it. I think that there is joy in the process of making something out of nothing, of giving shape and form to your thoughts and feelings. I think that there is meaning in leaving a trace of your existence, even if it’s only a faint one.

What matters is that you create something

Maybe, someone will find them someday, and maybe no one ever will. Maybe someone will hear that chord or read that line and feel something, maybe not. It doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter if no one ever listens or reads. It doesn’t matter if no one ever understands or relates. It doesn’t matter if no one ever values or praises. What matters is that you create something that matters to you. Something that reflects who you are and what you feel. Something that makes you happy and fulfilled.

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to create a work of art that touches millions of hearts and minds? To see your vision, your passion, your message spread across the world and inspire others? To know that you have made a lasting impact on the culture and history of humanity?

I think that is one of the greatest miracles that an artist can experience. A miracle that is not easy to achieve, but possible with hard work, dedication, and luck. A miracle that is not only a reward for the artist, but also a gift for the world.

Every miracle has its own magic

Creating a work of art that becomes widely known and beloved is not just about fame or fortune. It is about sharing your unique perspective, your voice, your soul with others. It is about connecting with people who resonate with your vision, who feel what you feel, who understand what you want to say. It is about making a difference in the world, one person at a time.

But how does one create such a work of art? How does one find the right audience, the right platform, the right moment to share it? How does one overcome the challenges, the doubts, the critics, the competition? How does one balance the artistic integrity with the market demands, the personal satisfaction with the public recognition?

There is no simple answer to these questions. Every artist has their own journey, their own process, their own style. Every work of art has its own story, its own meaning, its own impact. Every miracle has its own magic, its own mystery, its own miracle.

But there are some common elements that can help any artist achieve the dream of creating a work of art that becomes widely known and beloved. Here are some of them: Be authentic. Don’t try to copy or imitate someone else’s work. Don’t try to please or impress anyone but yourself. Don’t compromise your vision or your values. Be true to yourself and your art. Be original. Don’t follow the trends or the fads. Don’t repeat what has been done before. Don’t limit yourself to what is expected or accepted. Explore new ideas, new forms, new expressions. Be creative and innovative. Be passionate. Don’t lose sight of why you create art in the first place. Don’t let the external factors distract or discourage you. Don’t settle for less than your best. Love what you do and do what you love. Be persistent. Don’t give up on your dream or your goal. Don’t let the failures or the rejections stop you. Don’t let the obstacles or the difficulties deter you. Keep working, keep learning, keep improving. Be resilient and determined. Be generous. Don’t hoard or hide your work. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to share it. Don’t be selfish or greedy with it. Give it to the world and let it go. Be open and humble.

These are some of the ways that can help an artist create a work of art that becomes widely known and beloved. A work of art that is a miracle for both the artist and the world.

A work of art can become a miracle for both the artist and the world.