Artistry

The Art and the Artists

What is Art?

Art has been defined by the Cambridge dictionary as the use of the imagination to express ideas or feelings (Cambridge). Understandably, it is quite a broad definition; given that there are so many different forms of art. The most notable examples however would include paintings, sculptures, music and dance. These art forms would fall under the umbrella of “fine art”; a type of art that is admired for its beauty (Cambridge). Undoubtedly, art is both timeless and continuous. From theatre to film, drawings to paintings, poems to song lyrics. Each has their own unique value; and such value is fuelled by our creativity. 

Since the beginning of time, humanity has always aspired to create great art; no matter its form. And for a multitude of reasons. Stylistically, it has the power to make any creation attractive. Ideologically, it has the power to make any message receptive. For this reason we can read a tragedy but keep reading. Listen to a sad song but keep listening. For a painful sequence painted beautifully can stop people looking away. Allowing us to stay long enough to appreciate the message within it. It is a masterclass of perspective that can open the eyes of the blind. 

Not to mention art is a world of freedom. No longer limited to who we are, what we are, or the rules of our own unvierse. It is through imagination that we’re encouraged to look beyond what is, and experiment with what can be. To express ourselves in ways that we couldn’t otherwise express ourselves. 

And even looking past the pure expression of feelings, the expression of ideas has forever been significant. It is to no surprise the world’s greatest inventions consist of both logical and artistic minds. In finding balance between imagination and practicality, many absurdities became real. 

Art is everywhere. It is never hidden. And it’s never complete; but that’s the best part. Because there are so many more ideas to create. That which has never been done before. That’s what makes a great artist. Innovation! 

A great artist to me, may take inspiration both consciously and subconsciously from others, but they’re ultimately someone who walks a lonely path. As they’re essentially exploring their own imagination (looking within) in order to bring something new to the artform. In my view, the purest form of art is simply creating what you wish to exist. Before looking at what everyone else is doing, or this or that or trends or blah, blah, blah. What do I think belongs? What line, what note, what theme, what stroke do I wish was there? Why isn’t it there already? What do I want to express? To create in the same way you’d appreciate, if it already existed before you. 

After all, in art, something is always missing; at least to someone. It is very rare for us to collectively agree something is great. Whether that’s a book, song, movie, anything. No piece of art has ever had the world’s agreement. In fact, you could probably count on one hand , the amount of  things you’d consider perfect. 

But what is perfect to you? What hits you in a way that nothing else seems to. What resonates with you so strongly that it feels as though it was created for you? You may have an answer. But sometimes that answer doesn’t exist yet. In that case, why not create it? And who knows? You may realise how many others needed that spot to be hit too. 

Because sometimes, to create, is to acknowledge what isn’t there; then wonder, why not? 

Let’s assume you went from masseuse to masseuse to get a massage, but for some reason, there’s always that spot that no one is seeming to hit properly. Still, a great massage, but not enough. You don’t quite understand why. Is it just a coincidence? Is it that you just haven’t found the right masseuse? Is it because they just can’t resolve it? Wait, is there really no one else that can do it? What is going on?

Sometimes the best way to make sure that spot is hit, is to do it yourself. To be the one to create the art that would satisfy you. And you may realise how many others it satisfies. You know, thank you, finally! I really needed that spot to be hit too! 

That’s where art begins, individuality! As it’s only when people go within themselves, that we all realise, we’re not that different. That we’re able to reach another’s soul by reaching our own. Ideas, perspectives, all of the above! Musicians for example, essentially by exposing themselves, will often connect with others on a level that nothing superficial ever could. 

In turn, the first step of creating art is leveraging your own distinct awareness. Like in the masseuse example, they’re the professionals, and yet they’ve all missed this seemingly obvious spot to you. How many things have you come across that were so great…until they did this or that? How many specialists in their field have released something that made you question their ability? Made a decision that was laughable or destroyed something promising because they went in a different direction than you would have?

I mean, we all know how picky we can be. You loved that show except for the ending, you loved that song except that one lyric, you loved that game except for x feature. If they did this, if they did that, it would’ve been even better. But what if something was done in a way that satisfied your taste exactly as you wished. That satisfied the framework of what you consider good! That spot is the source of your artistry. 

The reason you get excited when your favourite artist releases something new is because you trust their ability to make something great. To meet your standards of what great is! Whenever you get excited for the next chapter of a book, it is because you acknowledge the story’s potential. Claiming something as great is suggesting you understand what great is. And if you know what great is in the world of art, all that’s missing is the skill to create it. Your potential to create great things is already there. 

Of course it’s not necessarily just about you; it’s the acknowledgement that a field you love can be even greater. To do it your own way and share it to the world. That is your contribution to the field. Because every creator was once a consumer. It’s taking ownership of your own ability to contribute to something you love, so everyone can love it even more. To fill that gap. Because otherwise, your love feels incomplete. 

And that’s not to say you don’t appreciate the art around you as it is, in fact it’s because you appreciate everything that it is, that you feel you know exactly what’s missing. Something completely new. 

It is not possible to create what already exists. Great artists love to experiment with what’s missing. Even when they had no intention behind their creation. As a form of fulfilment. To feel whole. And it’s not a race, it’s just simply a why not, why doesn’t it exist yet? What do I want to exist? 

You can’t objectify art 

Sometimes you just have to pursue your belief. I remember watching a producers live stream who was rating peoples music, and essentially letting them know if it was good enough to become a hit or not. And I couldn’t help but think about the song ‘Smells like teen spirit’ by a band called Nirvana. If the band never existed to the public, and played that song to him, would he say it’s a hit? Would he say it would become the most popular song in the world?  Probably not. Because as much as you try, you can’t truly objectify art. At least we humans aren’t capable of it. In the same way that multi-billion dollar companies have gone bankrupt after their extensive analysis was blind to the next big idea that a small business owner showed up at their doorstep offering. People will forever think they know, but some of the greatest creations would’ve never existed if they listened to the people that said no one would care for it. Sometimes we go out looking for answers, and sometimes our heart just knows. Have faith in your own taste. 

“There’s no formula to greatness , that’s what makes it great”

My friend