"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."