Creation in spite of Destruction
There have been many artistic creations that have been praised because of their ability to create evocative art during times of crisis. A great majority of described art is made in a time and culture that is unlike our own. However, despite the differences in culture, many profound experiences can be derived from them. Experiences such as oppression, hopelessness, and despair. Feelings and experiences that I think many of us have and will continue to experience in the very troubling times we live in.
There’s one thing I’d like to mention, that I do not see talked about enough with regard to art, and that’s motivation of creativity. When phrased into a question would be “How would these artists (of the past) find motivation to create when experiencing such overwhelming feelings?” I feel like that’s a complicated question and one that I have to ask myself frequently. I wonder how to push forward and express my creativity when I feel so overwhelmed with everything going on. I wonder about all the artists in history that were lost to the ages due to similar experiences and feelings. I feel like I spend a significant amount of time thinking about what path should I be taking? How can I be providing hope or comfort to those who engage with my art? Is making art even worthwhile to that cause? Is my art meant to be anything so grandiose? Is my art even worthy?
Clearly filled with self doubts. I can only surmise that the many generations of artists past have also experienced self doubt, and have also lived through times of great self or global strife. And yet, it isn’t talked about the internal struggle that happens within. it isn’t exactly something that people tend to want to write about. or for its documentation to be worthwhile. Not when the larger of the whole is present. Of what is here, the pieces that have been preserved. The ones who have impacted the world and become historic.
But I am more curious, as a creator. Just how to manage sometimes, how did other artist manage?
It is exceptionally difficult to address, especially as it feels entirely wrong to try and compare to some of the greatest art of time. I don’t believe that I’ve created anything on such a level nor will I likely ever will. That said, on a much more reasonable scale I feel that everyone is doing exactly what is right for their art, and what is most important is to be creating. Art is for expressing yourself and is to be shared with others. To find community. Art bridges experiences through culture and time. Without art, we wouldn’t have a means of communicating these complicated feelings with language alone.
We can fight back against oppression if we communicate with each other, when we support each other.
Art is pure communication. When we create, we connect with those around us, and we are stronger. When we create, we ease some of the burdens from each other, and we are stronger. When we create and we inspire actions, we are stronger. When we create to feel heard, others are able to hear, We are stronger. When we create we are alive, and we are strong.
So even though I may never know of what motivations were of the times in the past, they still have left their echos and have been exactly what was needed for others and for myself when it is presented. If I was to ever need to find a reason to create, I know that regardless of what gives me motivation. That if I share. If I give it outwards. It will be purposeful and worthwhile. And be whatever it needs to be.
I’ve written this predominantly for myself. So that I may see it and see strength where there once was none. And I will post this for those who are able to discover it. Seeing and witnessing here that self-doubts and the hurts of the world are real. That they limit. But they don’t stop us.
A much different type of blog post, but one that I feel is right.
This article was updated on March 3, 2025 - Grost_bot
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