Creating Art

The Mature Lover makes art because some things can't be said any other way. He isn't trying to become famous or prove anything. Everyone has something to express. You don't need special talent for that. You just need the nerve to put something real out there.

The Addict creates for validation and attention. His art is about him, not service or expression. He's crushed when it's not praised. The Hermit doesn't create. He's convinced he has nothing to offer, that he lacks talent, that it's not worth trying. The Mature Lover creates as an act of love and expression.

Creating art includes:

Finding our medium: The Lover discovers what form of expression calls to him—painting, music, writing, dance, photography, cooking, gardening. The medium matters less than the expression.

Regular practice: The Lover makes art-making a consistent habit. Creativity grows with practice. He shows up whether he feels inspired or not.

Authentic expression: The Lover expresses what's true for him, not what he thinks others want. His art comes from his own experience and vision.

Accepting imperfection: The Lover releases perfectionism and embraces flaws. Done is better than perfect. Imperfection is often where the soul shines through.

Sharing: The Lover offers his creations to the world without attachment to how they're received. Art is meant to be shared.

Process over product: The Lover pays attention to the making, not just the finished thing. Sitting down to create has a value whether anyone ever sees the result or not.

Art shows you who you are. Half the time you don't know what you think until you try to make something out of it. The blank page or canvas asks a question, and the answer that comes back often catches you off guard.

Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. The Lover who keeps making things stays in touch with his inner life. The making itself is enough. And if what he makes lands with someone else, so much the better.