Art and Creativity: What Makes You Enthusiastic About Your Creative Process? by reddragonfly

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art · @reddragonfly · Nov 18 '17

$16.31

Art and Creativity: What Makes You Enthusiastic About Your Creative Process?

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<p>What is it that makes us want to create? What drives us?&nbsp;</p>
<p>"Passion" is the standard answer.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
<div class="pull-right">
<p><img src="https://i.imgur.com/tgfUe8t.jpg" alt="YellowLeaf" /><br />
<em>Leaf in the Sun</em></p>
</div>
</p>
<p>But what does that <em>mean?</em> For each of us, perhaps it is a little different. Some of us create visual art. Some of us create music. Some of us paint with words.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I often hear phrases along the lines of "<em>I do what I do because I can't NOT do what I do.</em>"&nbsp;</p>
<p>There's a certain truth in that; creative people often feel like they are filled with a creative something-- a <em>spark</em>-- that simply has to get <em>OUT</em>.</p>
<p>But there's more to it than that.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I'm primarily a writer, and I keep coming back to the written word... but I also paint, and I keep coming back to painting, for a variety of reasons.</p>
<h2><em>What Brings Us Back... Again, and Again...</em></h2>
<p>Sometimes, what fuels my enthusiasm is simply the fact that whatever I was doing turned out <em>really well</em>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
<div class="pull-left">
<p><img src="https://i.imgur.com/ks3zJrN.jpg" alt="ShellFragment" /><br />
<em>Shell Fragment</em></p>
</div>
</p>
<p>For me, there has always been something extremely rewarding-- almost <em>euphoric</em>-- about having some kind of idea you hold in your mind's eye... and then you are able to <em>execute</em> this idea; this concept, in such a way that it becomes <em>exactly</em> what you had in mind.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Over the years I have met many a frustrated artist (or musician, or writer) who had the idea down... but no matter what, they were never able to bring it from a "thought platform" to reality in our 3D experience. And I can totally empathize with that... been there, many times, myself.</p>
<p>So there's <em>one </em>option: We're fueled by something really "<em>turning out.</em>" And we want it to happen, again.</p>
<p>Then there's the process of <em>exploration</em>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It's an area I often get caught up in... and perhaps spend too much time with. There's a lot of experimentation. And it's fun, and it often makes me want to get started. Of course, the challenge there is that a bunch of experiments-- while fun-- don't always (or often?) turn into a finished product.</p>
<p>Not that there's anything wrong with experimentation, for it's own sake. But it can get in the way when your output somewhat supports your ability to live... buy groceries and such.</p>
<h2><em>External Factors as Motivation</em></h2>
<p>Some artists and creatives are significant;y driven by "externals."</p>
<p>Although they are in love with the creative process, itself... there's a deeper motivation coming from the approvals and accolades of those "outside" who'll get to enjoy the final outcome...</p>
<p>
<div class="pull-right">
<p><img src="https://i.imgur.com/A9KdSDF.jpg" alt="Ducks" /><br />
<em>Bobbing Ducks</em></p>
</div>
</p>
<p>If not accolades, maybe it's the promise of prestige, reputation and influence that jumpstart the creative spark. Maybe that sounds shallow, but let's keep in mind that we humans have a tendency to have "motives" for every single thing we do, regardless of whether we're <em>conscious</em> of our motivations, or not.</p>
<p>Of course, in this context we should also mention financial gain-- money, income.</p>
<p>Although I know very few artists who are specifically in creative fields for money <em>(there are FAR easier ways to make a living!),</em> I'll be the first to admit that it's "<em>really nice</em>" when work <em>sells</em>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>And the fact that I can make something and actually succeed in <em>selling</em> it... as opposed to sitting in my house and slowly watching it fill to overflowing with work nobody cares about... definitely can serve as a point of motivation and enthusiasm. Of course, there is often much discussion as to whether "<em>getting paid</em>" for your work somehow constitutes a form of selling out, but I would fairly emphatically say NO. We pretty much all care about money... even if not directly, we do need to eat and sleep somewhere.</p>
<p>Of course, I'm only scratching the tip of the iceberg here... there are plenty of other sources for what I think of as "<em>creative enthusiasm.</em>" Including some semi-toxic ones like "<em>my mother told me I could never be an artist... well, I'm showing her!</em>" Noble, I suppose... but if you don't actually find <em>joy</em> in artistic creation, why bother?</p>
<p>And therein lies the final point I'll make before wrapping this up:</p>
<p>I create art simply because it makes me happy. Both writing and painting represent "happy places" for me... and that's <em>plenty</em> of motivation!</p>
<p><strong>DISCUSSION: What motivates, inspires and informs YOUR creativity? Any of the things I listed here, or something completely different? Leave a comment... I upvote most comments, especially if they add to the dialogue!</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;Thank you for reading! Red Dragonfly is a proud member of the <a href="https://steemit.com/@sndbox"><strong>@sndbox </strong></a>creative initiative.</p>
<p><center><a href="https://steemit.com/@reddragonfly">
<img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmdyRbDAjTPPM6aQpmNRKDoxCcgYGC1wHAjRNJANED1VZ9/follow_reddragonfly.gif"></a></center></p>
<p><em>The Red Dragonfly is an independent alternative art gallery located in Port Townsend, WA; showcasing edgy and unique contemporary art &amp; handmade crafts by local and worldwide artists. All images are our own, unless otherwise credited. Where applicable, artist images used with permission.</em>&nbsp;</p>
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@amsakhan · Nov 18 '17

Nice 😍

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@prostosun · Nov 18 '17

beautifull!

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@shello · Nov 18 '17

$0.03

Hello @reddragonfly,

When you spoke of an idea coming out to match the vision an artist holds in their minds eye, that thought resonated with me. I don't always get the luxury to spend eternity on a piece, but when I do, I am met with frustration, not to make it perfect- but to get as close to my vision as possible. 

When I reach that point where they both align brings me immense joy, whether it sells, gets recognition, or not. I am reminded that I can create my reality and make a physical representation to share with others c:

With love,
shello

👍 reddragonfly

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@reddragonfly · Nov 18 '17

It does help me a lot to get things "out," even if they don't turn out perfectly. It's almost like the process of creation frees up space inside my head... so new ideas can germinate and grow.

Above all, making art makes me happy.

👍 shello

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@shello · Nov 20 '17

I agree entirely. Being able to do something to clear your head, only makes room for new awesome things to be worked on.

Always do what makes you happy!

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@steemitboard · Nov 18 '17

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@tata1 · Nov 18 '17

$0.03

Why do I have passion for painting? You make me think deeply.
If I lived on a desert island - I might not draw a picture. I have you and I am drawing a picture. And you will be creating art works because I am.![사람세상.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmRNnXk5Tzs5mqdVmAXogBMC9msUZNFh2XoAXGxwUtyCF8/%EC%82%AC%EB%9E%8C%EC%84%B8%EC%83%81.jpg)

👍 reddragonfly

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@whatamidoing · Nov 18 '17

$0.04

I enjoy making people cry, through art, sure, but mostly jut making people cry.

Ok here's my serious answer.

Of course artists deserve monetary reward for their work, but I'd say the best art is created without the thought of money in mind, anything else in my eyes is a compromise, which is not to say bad, but sell out is one way to put it.  

I would love to think my art somehow makes the world a better place or helps people in some kind of cathartic fashion or by letting them know they are not alone.  I also love the feeling of creating something that inspires me or impresses me, similar to what you said about realizing what is in your mind and seeing it manifest into reality.  It's alchemy, really.

👍 reddragonfly

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@reddragonfly · Nov 18 '17

I would agree that the best art was created without money in mind... it was simply the result of something that "had to" be expressed.

Alchemy is a good word... strangely coincidental, I have called my painted mandala stones "Alchemy Stones" for about 10 years. I do love the process... and there's something extra about it when someone else seems to "get" what I was trying to express.

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