Creating Art

The Mature Lover makes art because some things cannot be said any other way. He is not trying to become famous or prove anything. Everyone has something to express. No one needs special talent for that. We 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 crumbles when no one praises it. The Hermit does not create. He is convinced he has nothing to offer, that he lacks talent, that the effort is pointless. 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 is true for him, not what he thinks others want. His art comes from his own experience and vision.

Accepting imperfection: The Lover releases perfectionism. Done beats perfect. Imperfection is often where the soul shines through.

Sharing: The Lover offers his creations to the world without attachment to how they land. 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 a man who he is. Half the time he does not know what he thinks until he tries to make something out of it. The blank page or canvas asks a question. The answer often catches him 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.