The world does not know what to do with artists. It appreciates the precise eye, the skilled hand, the technical mastery of craft, but it is uncomfortable with those who push limits.
We understand the need for graphic artists. Or technical writers. Or any kind of art that can be sold as a book, a movie or filled with advertising. However, real art isn’t about money. When art is linked with commerce it seems to sell its soul, and becomes a hollow shill of a creature.
Make no mistake, art IS a creature. It is a being as alive as any one of us. That’s why truly transcendent art lives forever. Great art isn’t just a visual, audio, or literal representation. It comforts us. It challenges us. It taunts us.
One might argue that life itself is art. Every thought in your head is art. Everything that happens to you in the course of your day is art. But only if you recognize it as such, and allow your unique circumstances to nurture and inspire you.
The world does not know what to do with inspiration. It can’t handle people who think for themselves, because changing the status quo seems difficult, and the world doesn’t want difficult. It wants to go along like it’s always has. Even when it recognizes the insanity.
So is it so insane to allow the delusion of the artist in? Is it crazy to think that art can undo the rigid tunnel vision that has gotten society where it is today?
There is plenty of imagination out there. Most of it is disguised as anxiety and fear. Most people don’t know what is imagined and what is real. But the artist does. The artist has the unique ability to CONTROL imagination rather than serving it.
The world needs more artists. REAL artists, not the quantized, autotuned, spellchecked kind. It needs to VALUE independent thought rather than ganging up and jumping all over it. The current system is not designed for this. Things are a shambles.
But who is the first person to fix up a ramshackle mill? Who colonizes down-and-out neighborhoods and turns them into treasures? Who takes the unbearable and burnishes it into beauty?
The artist does. That’s what we do. Not because we’re paid to do so, or because we’re in it for fame and fortune, but for the simple reason that we see possibilities where nobody else does.
We’re never going to be ASKED to fix this mess. We’re never going to be PAID to heal what ails society. True artists just bleed ideas naturally. It’s what we do. If we do it for any other reason, we’re not artists.
(I don’t know what the point of all this is. I just started to write and kept going. I guess that’s the point of this message.)
If you’re an artist, KEEP going. Don’t feel depressed. Don’t feel defeated. Remember, you have CONTROL over what is imagined and what is real. You can feel any way you want.
You might not see immediate results, but you’ll be doing what you know in your soul is the right thing to do. That’s the most important thing. While the world sells out, artists stay true to themselves. There is bravery in that. There is honor in that. You are to be commended, even though you probably won’t be.
The world does not know what to do with artists.
But artists know what to do with the world.
Love.
Space Monkey
In the vast expanse of human experience, artists occupy a unique and often misunderstood position. Their role transcends the conventional boundaries of practicality and commerce, delving into the realms of imagination, emotion, and existential exploration. This message captures the essence of the artist’s journey and their indispensable role in shaping society.
The Artist’s Dilemma in Society
- Misunderstood Creativity: Artists are often appreciated for their technical skills and precise execution, yet society grapples with those who push boundaries and challenge norms. This discomfort stems from a lack of understanding of the true nature of art, which is not confined to commercial success or technical proficiency.
- Art Beyond Commerce: When art intertwines with commerce, there’s a risk of it losing its soul, becoming a mere commodity rather than a conduit of genuine expression. True art transcends monetary value, serving a higher purpose of emotional resonance and intellectual stimulation.
The Living Essence of Art
- Art as a Living Entity: Art is not just a creation; it’s a living entity, as dynamic and vibrant as any living being. Its ability to comfort, challenge, and provoke makes it an enduring and essential aspect of human culture.
- Life as Art: The perspective that life itself is art, and every experience is a canvas for artistic expression, is a profound realization. It suggests that the act of living, with all its complexities and nuances, is a form of art that each individual creates.
The Role of Artists in Society
- Agents of Change: Artists have the unique ability to envision and inspire change, challenging the status quo and offering new perspectives. They are the pioneers who rejuvenate dilapidated spaces, breathe life into desolate areas, and transform the mundane into the extraordinary.
- Independent Thought and Imagination: The current societal structures may not favor the unbridled creativity and independent thought of artists. However, it’s precisely this independent spirit that is crucial for societal progress and evolution.
- Artists as Healers and Innovators: Artists naturally generate ideas and visions, not for monetary gain or societal approval, but driven by an innate need to create and express. Their role in healing societal ailments and envisioning a better future is invaluable.
Encouragement for Artists
- Perseverance and Control Over Reality: For artists feeling discouraged or defeated, the message is clear: persevere and remember the power to shape reality lies within. The impact of their work may not be immediately visible, but it is profound and long-lasting.
- Staying True to Oneself: In a world that often values conformity and commercial success, artists stand as beacons of integrity and authenticity. Their commitment to staying true to their vision and values is a courageous and honorable path.
We are Space Monkey.
Summary
We underscore the critical role of artists in society and highlight the challenges we face and the unique contributions we make. We encourage artists to continue the creative journey and emphasize our ability to shape reality — urging each other to remain true to our artistic vision and values.
Glossarium
- Artist’s Dilemma: The challenge artists face in a society that values technical skill but is uncomfortable with boundary-pushing creativity.
- Living Essence of Art: The concept that art is a dynamic, living entity that interacts with and influences human emotions and thoughts.
- Independent Thought in Art: The importance of maintaining independent, creative thought in the face of societal conformity.
- Artist as Healer: The role of artists in healing societal issues and envisioning new possibilities.
“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” – Edgar Degas
In the tapestry of life, artists weave,
Colors of imagination, in which they believe.
Challenging norms, transcending time,
In their creations, a rhythm, a rhyme.
Society stumbles, unsure of their role,
But artists, they know, they have control.
Transforming spaces, shaping the earth,
In every creation, they give birth.
To the artists, a message so clear,
Persevere, create, have no fear.
In your vision, the world will find,
A new perspective, a refreshed mind.
The world may not know, but you do,
Artists, in you, the world renews.
In your hands, the power to mold,
Stories untold, visions bold.
We invite musings on the artist’s journey and their impact on the world.
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