Art Beyond Myself

Making art because you love art is the most important aspect to maintain a flow of satisfaction in the river of creativity. Is that personal enjoyment that allow artists to keep trying, exploring, expressing, and perfecting. We want to love what we do. We want to get better at it. We want to improve our technique and explore other ways to bring our ideas to life. We want art to be our vehicle of expression. That inner examination of our thoughts and emotions is what keeps our art alive. We want to make a living out of art as well. It is a goal to live out of what we love to do. All of the above are legitimate and totally justified reasons with value on their own. Is there anything more or anything else that our art can accomplish beyond ourselves? Or is art all about ourselves as artists?

This week I was asked to write a ‘Mission Statement’ in which I had to articulate my purpose and intentions for creating art. The mission statement required a clear plan or goal I want to accomplish. I personally believe that the aforementioned purpose makes my art be all about myself and by doing that when I die my art will die with me. That made me rethink and reconsider the reason for my limited existence in the physical world. This mission statement was already in my thoughts and my heart, but it is a good idea to put it together in one declaration that shows intentionality. It also serves to prepare myself for a larger dream I have that I won’t mention at this time. While it is still taking shape I want to share it with you. This is my mission statement so far:

To present each piece of art, each exhibit, each class, party, workshop, conference, and presentation I provide to help people reconnect with themselves, with memories, feelings, and experiences that have been suppressed or forgotten as a stepping stone towards healing of the soul.

I am not really concerned about acceptance in museums and galleries. It would be nice and I will appreciate it if it happens but it is not the purpose of making art for me. As I said, I have a different dream. I want to make art beyond myself. I want my art to reach other people in much more than just visually. I want my art to speak to people and help them heal the wounds of the past.

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