"The creation of a work of art, like an act of love..."
"The creation of a work of art, like an act of love, is our one
small 'yes' at the center of a vast 'no.'" -- Gore Vidal,
Novelists and Critics of the 1940's, New World Writing #4, 1953.
Art, in its varied forms, is the essence of humanity. An
examination of the music, sculpture, painting, and writings of
any given time and society gives us perhaps the clearest insight
into the lives, emotions, and ponderings of mankind.
I am an avid student of history, wanting to know more and more.
Naturally, for me, my seeking of knowledge is combined with a
deep appreciation and seeking to learn more of the art of a
period I am learning of. Consider all the cultures, aspirations,
beliefs, fears, of any given time are communicated to us yet
still in the artwork we have of those creative individuals who
can speak to us now. Art transcends time.
And, art is universal. Music itself communicates the heart of a
people from a folk tune to a great symphony; a sketch or a great
chapel--large or small--art is true communication mind to
mind...heart to heart. Art is history.
I particularly like the quote of Vidal above...as it focuses me
on the realization, appreciation, of all those who have said
"yes" and created in an often harsh world. Studying the lives of
artists, one finds a significant number with lives containing
much suffering, hardship, and ridicule. "Success" wasn't the
driving force. No. From my reading, it seems their desire was
far deeper than that...some with a yearning to express deep
desires, joy or sorrow (perhaps personally cathartic for them),
others with a hope they seek to share with others, and still
others with a look toward the outer society and seeking to focus
other's attention on the course humanity is taking and
questioning whether it is the path of greatest good or headed
toward destruction. There is no better way to communicate ideas,
warnings, or celebration than through art.
Creativity comes from within...and I believe for an individual
to succumb to societal pressure to conform, to fit in with the
crowd (herd mentality), is to forego what one could have created
first for themselves and thereby to the benefit of even others.
Personal expression is a necessity for the individual. Yet much
in society seeks to eliminate free thought, expression and the
creative forms it takes. Laws, rules, expectations,
obligations--all the means of control. And, yet, even throughout
history, in times and regions where totalitarianism rules, we
see the creative expression of individuals who dared to express
truth through art. It was their "yes" in midst of the "no"
surrounding them...in itself "an act of love" for themselves,
their spirit.
As a writer and actress, I am stirred deeply by the art of
others. Other's art inspires me in my own creations. To place a
cd of classical music on, depending on its mood and mine, can
illicit thoughts, ideas, and create a flow of energy which, for
me, is then communicated through a piece of writing I am
inspired to write. At other times, it may bring back
memories...or make me think of someone of whom the music somehow
communicates their personality...and I sometimes ponder why
particular pieces touch me so. It is wonderful. Likewise, it is
through other writers and actors, I learn...but more than that,
there is something created in their art which spurs my own
unique expression. I feel my greatest rapport has always been
with artists--writers, musicians, actors, painters--the forms
varied--but with the common denominator: I respond to the "yes"
as Vidal calls it.
The personal satisfaction I receive after writing or performing
(music or acting) is an experience necessary to me. And, indeed,
I think it's experiencing--it is creating--my own small "yes" at
the center of a vast "no." And, indeed, no other experience
provides me with that "yes," experience save for those acts of
love (true expressions in which nothing was sought to gain but
only to give to express to share).
I end this thought with a question for all reading this: Do you
have that "yes" in your life? As an act of love, do it not for
others, but for yourself. I meet so many who tell me things like
"I could have written a book," or "I used to paint," or "I was a
good actor in school," and they continue to say how they miss
it. Their "reasons" for abandoning creative expression are the
same...and, in my view, sad. They have given themselves up for
something less than they could be and experience. Nothing is
more important than being who you truly are, and I firmly
believe art--the expression of who you are--is a part of you as
it is a part of me. To join in the immense "no" of this world is
to deny the truth. I urge you to examine your life, your heart,
your mind...what is it you have always wanted to do, to explore,
to see, to do? Now, take action toward it. There is only love
and fear; it is fear which keeps you from creating...fear of not
having enough, fear of what others will think, fear in many
forms is the enemy. No matter your circumstances, choose truth,
choose to express who you are, choose art...choose to say "yes."