Source & Purpose of Creativity (WE-56)
Is it state of suffering or sensitivity?
I have this feeling that the 'birthplace' of creativity has to be a 'psych' disorder. Among creatives, the real comedians ought to be the most prone to mental afflictions. I have no data or source to support this claim. It's just something that is somehow coming out.
We express ourselves not to provide 'value' to the 'receivers', although we care deeply about them too, but it is mostly a way to salve our own wounds.
But my Maa (mother) has a different opinion on creativity. She says it relates to 'sensitivity' or 'attentiveness'.
Maybe she’s right, maybe sensitivity and suffering are interlinked like two sides of the same coin.
And this coin is the root cause of creativity.
Purpose of Creativity
What’s the purpose?
What do they create for?
Money, Fame, Power, Admiration, Accolades? Grammy or Man Booker or Oscar?
What if creatives start charging for their creations?
The receivers will be limited - only those who can afford it. Like 3-4 years ago, I couldn't afford to attend Switchfoot's live concert, so I wouldn't have experienced their hypnotic live performance or received 'The Gift'.
After the concert, Jon Foreman came out of the venue alone with a guitar and stood on a stone at a crossroad, singing his favorite songs from his latest album, In Bloom.
What he said on that wintry, rainy night shook me to the bones,
You can't pay me for what I'm doing now (singing those songs in the rain), so I always do it as an aftershow. It's a way to pass on 'The Gift' I have.
For a long time, I had been in a dilemma about monetizing my creation, which is now gone.
Because a few days ago, I saw his interview where he mentioned the book "The Gift."
After reading Margaret Atwood’s review, I had not an iota of a doubt.
Maybe, in the future, I might do something purely voluntary like donations and use that money wisely. But keeping it strictly separate from what physically sustains me.
Because putting the burden of sustenance on "The Gift" will certainly make it disappear and not reach the weary souls.
So, the purpose of 'creativity' or any creation must be to keep "The Gift" in motion.
What are your views on creativity?
What are your views on ‘starving artists’?
Beautiful reflection!
Personally, I‘ve experienced that creativity does not need a root cause, but is rather what flows in the absence of blocks. When we free ourselves from any self-censuring that is blocking our expression, we make space for our inherent creativity. We can express from pain, from joy, from anger - from any feeling that arises. Just my two cents.
I really enjoy Elizabeth Gilbert‘s take on decoupling the artist‘s depression & addictive behaviours from their greatness (check out the TED talk https://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_your_elusive_creative_genius
Regarding money + art, I’ve been reflecting on this too and hope to write about it soon. I‘m really excited to read The Gift. Thanks a lot for the recommendation!
Hdld