What It Takes to Be an Artist: Purpose
So you’ve added some skills to your toolbox and there’s passion fueling your work—awesome! For some time, those two elements will suffice to define your practice, especially if you’re just getting started. However, as you take your artwork more and more seriously, the dreaded question of “So what?” may inevitably surface.
For many (myself included), this question can come suddenly and unexpectedly, paralyzing one’s passion and rendering their skills useless. When I struggle with this, my mind spirals, thinking that I’m capable of creating pretty images, but they're of no impact. Fear says that my art is futile, and it may try and convince you to feel the same.
But all of this, of course, is a lie.
The question of “So what?” isn’t truly aimed at a single piece of art. Rather, it aims to undermine the larger purpose for which you create in the first place. Ask yourself: What do you want your art to say? What do you want it to accomplish? Is your art meant to convey a certain idea or experience to the viewer? Or is it purely cathartic and personal? (All of which are perfectly valid by the way; one way is not greater than another.)
How you answer these questions over the course of your life will define your purpose in making art. It’s okay if you don’t have all answers now; to be an artist is to being willing to explore! For myself, creating art is always an investigation into ideas that I want to know more about.
All this is to say that finding purpose in your work will take time and an open, curious mind. It often starts with what you’re passionate about, or a skillset you're confident in, and grows into something truly important. Root your purpose in the truth of what matters to you, not in fear of whether or not you’ll make a difference.
Your journey in discovering and solidifying purpose may look very different from mine. It may happen more immediately, or it could take years to form. But to risk the cliche, it really does start with believing in yourself and knowing your worth. Your artwork will follow the example of how you view yourself and your potential.
The three elements of skills, passion, and purpose are what I have found necessary in making art. I would love to know your thoughts and talk with you about where you fall in regards to these—send me a message! But most importantly, keep exploring and making what's most meaningful to you.
Peace~