Why Make Art Life?
A while back I came to the realization that life doesn’t just mimic art, life is art. Like a blank canvas, every new moment is an empty space, waiting to be filled, and we get to be the ones who fill it!
Just to be clear, I don’t mean this metaphorically. I mean, I believe we can literally shape our reality using the same strategies, mindsets, and processes that a sculptor uses to shape a ball of clay or a musician uses to compose a song. In this way, making art provides a toolkit we can use to create the life we want.
But gaining the tools is just the first part. I believe the ultimate payoff comes from applying these artist tools to the rest of our lives. I’ve started this blog as a way to practice just that, and I’d like to invite you to join me on this art-life expedition! (Also, creative communities rock, so let’s make one!)
How This Blog Works
Step 1: Gain tools by making art
Every week(ish) I’ll post a sketchbook challenge. These will be visual arts based, but you definitely don’t need to be an experienced visual artist to participate. Also, many of these prompts can be easily applied to different art forms.
Step 2: Wield your artist tools in real life
Each art challenge will have a corresponding life challenge that involves applying the same mindset or process used to complete the art challenge to some other aspect of your life.
In case you’re wondering, “Why start with making art? Why not just skip to the life-changing part?”
Two reasons I think the actual making is important:
- When you create art you produce concrete evidence of your power as a creative being. As a chronic self-doubter, I’ve discovered that having an artifact to remind me of this power as I take on the challenges of life can be really helpful.
- Doing art gives you an excuse to buy the 24 color Sharpie marker pack and/or the 64 Crayola crayon box with built-in sharpener (both of which may or may not be sitting on my living room table right now). Seriously though, don’t underestimate the real joy and motivation a set of brand new art materials can bring.