Wednesday, July 04, 2012

I Am a Creator, A Creator is Who I Am

Yesterday I did nothing but work on an art project. I did not look at the clock, answer or return phone calls, or think about anyone or anything except the art. I was completely immersed in myself and what I was creating. Neither the world beyond the art nor the time that past while creating meant anything. At the present moment, as I am writing this blog, I am creating once again.

These are the times when I am happiest, when I am creating, be it art or poetry or writing or photography or cooking or gardening... The list goes on. I do not care whether anyone else appreciates or likes the things I create. I do not care whether anyone appreciates or likes me. I like me. I like what I create.  I am not looking for another's approval. The only approval I need comes from within me.

When someone sees my art work or reads my poetry, the most common question they ask is, "But what are you going to do with it?" I am confused by this question. Why do I have to do anything with it? I came to realize that many of those who ask this question feel that if you are not creating to make money from the creation, then the time spent creating is time wasted. I cannot seem to wrap my head around that way of thinking. Don't get me wrong; if someone likes my work enough to offer me payment for it, I will gladly take it. Yet, while the money is good to have, I have to say that I am happier that the person paying me for it is getting some sort of satisfaction from my work rather than happy that I created something of monetary value. However, if no one likes my work or if no one ever sees my work, it doesn't matter to me. I really don't create anything for anyone but me.

I create because I need to create. Creating is a part of me. I am a creator, a creator is who I am.

1 comment:

Queen Makeda's Sister said...

I loved this article. It's exactly how I feel. :-)