For every piece in a museum, gallery, show, book, magazine, or shop, there are 1000s languishing in closets, basements, attics, under the bed, or buried under piles of all the other "stuff" you've made.
Do you respect your art - these things, objects, words, creations that you make? Did you know that the last phase of the creative process is to deliver? The deliver phase is about what you do with your art when it's complete, finished, or even abandoned and set aside for later - the later that never comes.
As a teenager, I wanted to be an artist and a writer so badly. I didn’t think I had the talent for either. I thought it all was supposed to come naturally. I would show my Dad my latest creation. "That's nice," he would say, "what's it for?" So, for the longest time, I felt that there needed to be a purpose behind what I made. Perhaps that is why I began with crafts - quilting, basket weaving, dollmaking, tole painting, jewelry, and dyeing.
The rest of the arts, what we call Fine Art, wasn’t on my radar. I wasn’t qualified. Fine Art was something I never thought I could do because I wasn’t naturally good at realistic drawing, which was how I measured artistic talent. For a long time, I thought good meant correct. It wasn’t until my design teacher, when evaluating my drawing assignment said, “You have a strong style,” that I realized I wasn’t wrong, I just had my own style.
Nor was I someone who created primarily for “aesthetic or intellectual purposes,” which supposedly is what makes art “fine.” I created because it was fun and made me feel good. I still do, but now I take my work seriously. I am a “real” artist, after all. Thankfully, the line between art and craft continues to blur and weaken over the years.
What is art for if it is not to sell, hang on the wall, be in a show, or make you a famous artist? Before I share what I know, take 3 minutes to write down all the things you think your art is for.
Pencils down.
Here's my list:
What Art is For
Fulfillment of our divine and inherent gift for self-expression
A way to say "I was here. I matter."
Personal health and well-being
Creating connection
Leaving a legacy - it's about the positive influence you have on individuals, communities, and future generations.
The true purpose of creating art is for these five priceless rewards.
So you make art. Now what do you do with it?
DELIVER it.
There is more to delivering your art than entering or being accepted into a show, exhibit, or gallery, or selling it at a booth at an art or craft fair.
To DELIVER your art is to honor it, respect it, and love it. Love it, not in spite of its flaws, but because of them. Each mark, word, stitch, or brushstroke is evident that you were here. You made this.
To DELIVER your art is to put it out into the world. Social media makes that so easy now. Create connections by sharing your art with others. Rather than always looking up at those who are better at it than you, turn around and see the ones who do not yet have the courage or understanding to create. Share your talent, your love of making with others. Donate it, create a neighborhood fundraiser and donate your proceeds. Gift it. Give it away to a stranger. Give it to a child to ignite their interest in art.
To DELIVER your art is to use the possibility of rejection by one person to create a connection with another. You don’t like everybody’s art. Why should everybody like yours? Engage others in discussion or creative play. Build your creative courage by encouraging others. Let your art be your calling card.
To DELIVER your art is to compile, chronicle, and document what is important to you, so that your best friends, in-laws, granddaughter, great-great-nephew on your father's side, next-door neighbor, or estate sale buyer will know and understand your "who and why" story. No need to wait till you're gone, though, right? Let them know now.
I just found this article about donating your work. Perfect timing!
If you take a "who cares?" or "what's it for?" attitude about your art, that's what people will take away from your art. Creating art, expressing yourself is a gift to value. Celebrate that and create on. What do you think? Do tell!
Quotes of the Week
It takes a lot of courage to show your dreams to someone else.
Erma Bombeck
With stammering lips and insufficient sounds I strive and struggle to deliver right the music of my nature.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
The way to develop self-confidence is to do the thing you fear and get a record of successful experiences behind you. Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.
William Jennings Bryan
Being strong means rejoicing in who you are, complete with imperfections.
Margaret Woodhouse
The trick is what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same. . .
Carlos Castaneda
Our small community has an Artisan Village and a Performing Arts Center. One of the artists came up with a wonderful idea. A small box similar to those used by the "Little Library" exchanges was placed just outside the store. Take a piece or give a piece of art is the plan. I had so many little pieces just languishing in my studio. Now they are delivered!
This has got to be one of your most important articles, Lesley!
My purposes:
For my pleasure in the doing of it
For the pleasure of others who view it and may be reminded of their pleasure moments
To teach what matters in life for us all
To get better at painting!
To share what I notice about life that is good and is needed
I could go on, but this will have to do. I think that if we don't have a purpose for something, then we never use it. So if you are making art, the purpose/s is there.