Can you imagine what the world would be like, in the middle of any crisis you can think of, without the arts?
If there was no TV (or various and sundry streaming services), no film, no music, no books, no theatre, no paintings, no cartoons, and on and on? Would there be any point? Would life be worth living with boring, unrelenting “reality” and no imagination?
It’s terrifying, really. You need art and artists to give you hope, inspiration, and make you think. Without art and artists, the world would be bland, drab, and uninteresting.
Yet in times of crisis and challenge, those who do art are often looked down upon. How can you be creating those things in the face of this reality? Frankly, if artists don’t create art in the face of this version of reality, will we ever find a way to one that’s better?
Without art and artists, the world loses some of its best ideas. That’s because the music, words, and images that inspire them are taken for granted. Lots of great minds were opened as they listened to music, read inspirational words, or were moved by some image they encountered. The products of art and artists are how the world changes and evolves for the better.
Creating in times of trouble
Let’s admit to something most prefer to disregard or ignore. There will always be issues in the world. Even issues once resolved or partly resolved tend to recur. Take racism, women’s rights, LGBTQA+ rights, and everything related to them. How many of those were at the forefront and seemingly addressed but are still relevant and important today?
Then there are the ever-present issues of politics, demagogues, religious zealots, and the like. The players change – and so do other elements – but they are also ongoing.
You can’t ignore the big, world-changing issues like climate change, hunger, and homelessness. Again, the players change – and so do other elements – but these are ever-present.
Despite these troubles and issues, the world needs art and artists. Sometimes the best way to make a statement is via art. For example, look at classic war-protest songs like CCR’s Fortunate Son, Bob Dylan’s Blowin’ in the Wind, and Barry McGuire’s Eve of Destruction. See Picasso’s Guernica as one of the most famous pieces of protest art. Then there is M*A*S*H for the ultimate anti-war protest television.
When it comes to words, there’s Orwell’s 1984, Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, and Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. These are more than just books and stories, but warnings about dangers to society that can and will do terrible harm.
Art and artists in times of trouble, illustrating issues, are key to overall awareness and self-awareness. They help you see, in variable ways, the world beyond your limited perspective. Artists often give voice to things others simply can’t.
A tremendous amount of the knowledge available to you and me about the past is through its art. Paintings, sculptures, plays, pottery, and other elements of old art tell you what’s come before.
This is why it never ceases to amaze me that the first thing most schools cut – for budgetary concerns – is the arts. Then again, given the clear desire on the part of certain individuals and entities, this is an unfortunate way to control the narrative. Uninspired people, in theory, are easier to sway and even control. But that’s pretty shortsighted when you get right down to it.
This emphasizes how and why the world always needs art and artists. To be inspired, to open and encourage imagination, to spark mindfulness. That’s so much bigger than you might realize.
While everyone is a creator, not everyone is an artist. To be an artist takes a degree of commitment, grit, effort, and often push. You strive to grow, improve, and develop your art, whatever it is. Also, yes, talent and skill are important, but these can be developed and honed.
Professional or amateur, the world always needs arts and artists. Many mundane matters are art or inspired by art. The architecture of the buildings you live and work in; the shape, cut, color, and fabric of the clothes you wear; the graphic interfaces, materials, and computing power that goes into your smartphone; all of these are art and/or art inspired.
Despite politics, climate change, economic insanity, and more, art and artists are always necessary. Your artistry is a force of empowerment and mindfulness to inspire, open imagination, and shape countless elements of the world at large. Especially in troubling times, please keep refining and making your art.
Thanks for reading. As I share my creative journey with you, I conclude with this:
How are you inspired to be your own creator – whatever form that takes?
Please take a moment to check out the collection of my published works, which can be found here.
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