Paintings, sculptures, books, architecture, music, acting, dance, fiber works, and so many other places. And within each of these, numerous genres, subgenres, themes, schools, types, variations, and more.
Art is the ultimate in human expression. Creations for beauty, thought, emotion, communication, revelation, revolution, and more.
We know vast swaths of human history – all around the world – from the art our predecessors left behind. From cave paintings to sculptures, frescos to mosaics, scrolls to leather-bound tomes, art provides history.
The power of art – whatever form it takes – is amazing. And yet – it’s often neglected for industry, athletics, commerce, and other notions.
Creating art is brave. Sharing it is even more courageous. But to make art is to fuel both yourself and others in all sorts of unexpected ways.
Art moves people
Have you ever watched a movie and teared up at the end? Experienced the same from a play, a book, or a painting that speaks to your soul? That’s just one aspect of the power of art.
Art can move people to action. Art has been employed to call people to revolution, to rebel against tyranny, and to act for their own accord.
Beyond this, art empowers people to think and feel for themselves. Why else would people want certain books banned? Because those books have power that leads to empowerment. Some leaders empower and see good in helping others to be empowered. But some leaders fear empowerment because they know empowered people won’t choose them or their ways.
Whatever form it comes in, art can, does, and has changed the world. It’s a tool that can be used for good.
But of course, it’s also a tool that can be used for ill.
Art used as propaganda can sway people to an idea that – past the surface – is against their best interests. Some people have employed art in words and pictures to convince people that something that will harm them will actually help them.
The power of art in and of itself is just power. Good or ill is intent on the part of those who create and/or use art.
But that’s the power of art. It can do tremendous good or incredible harm.
The power of art and you
Art can be inspiring.
I saw Star Wars for the first time in 1977 when I wasn’t quite 5 years old. But it inspired me to dream, to envision fantastical worlds and ideas that have moved me for my entire life.
Writing was my first love when it came to art. Music came next, as I loved – and still love – to sing. I even spent all my time in college as a DJ on the school’s radio stations.
Then there was theatre. I performed in multiple plays and musicals in high school, then went on to direct and produce theatre in college.
Over the years, I’ve adopted my artistic bent to identify myself as a storyteller. While writing is my main medium to express this, it’s not the only one.
But the power of art has made my life what it is.
I believe that art is important to the human psyche. We need art to express ourselves – good, bad, and everything in between.
Recognizing the power of art can be deeply empowering.
Author LaNysha Adams, PhD, wrote a wonderful book called Me Power. In it, she redefines empower to place a more focused emphasis on me, the individual.
Rather than power being given to you, empowerment is power that comes from you, belongs to you, and is part of you.
This is how I also define empowerment.
The more people recognize and acknowledge their own empowerment, the more they can do to take charge of their lives.
Much of what we see in our culture – particularly the unkind, uncompassionate, surreal acts many are committing – is based on a lack of empowerment. People feel so out of control that they fall prey to these bad actors. How else would Brexit have gotten any traction or Donald Trump hold any sway?
When you take your power for yourself – you’re empowered. And when you’re empowered you decide how to think, feel, intend, and act. What you think, what and how you feel, what you intend, and what you do are more recognizable as yours to control.
Reading a book, examining a painting or sculpture, or spending time appreciating any art at all can open paths to this for you.
That’s the power of art. It can do wondrous things.
Artists and the power of art
I recognize that what I write – blog or book, nonfiction or fiction – can be powerful. But this has nothing to do with me.
I am the artist creating the work. Thus, I give it energy, intent, and agency, But the impact it has on you is not something I control.
While I desire to inspire, cause people to open their minds, and think more for themselves – I have no control over that.
Once you put art into the world – no matter your intentions or feelings about it – it becomes a work for others to decide on. You might be the creator and artist – but you haven’t any control over the impact of your work.
Or lack thereof.
This is why some musicians have taken action to stop groups they disagree with from using their music, for example. Because bad actors misinterpreted it and the creators refused to allow that to continue.
Believing in the power of art opens you both to give and receive art. And that is incredibly empowering.
Creator, admirer, or both – the power of art can move you to all sorts of places. That can be good, bad, and everything in between. Recognizing the power of art helps you see what it can do for you – and what you can do with it.
Isn’t that an awesome, amazing concept?
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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