Art is a powerful medium that allows us to express ourselves in unique and personal ways. As artists, we have the ability to create work that reflects our experiences, emotions, and perspectives. However, creating art is not just about the technical process, it's also about finding meaning in what we create. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of finding meaning in your art and how it can elevate your creative practice.
Start with your Why
The first step in finding meaning in your art is to start with your why. Why do you create? What drives you to make art? Is it to express yourself, to make a statement, or to simply explore your creativity?
Get clear with yourself. Jot some words down as you begin to contemplate why making art is so significant to you. A few of my words are home, safety, gentleness, authenticity, joy, beauty and knowing. I wrote about this in a previous post. Find my why here
Your why is the underlying motivation for creating art. It seeps into every part of your creative work. Without a clear understanding of your why you can easily begin to feel lost and uninspired in your artistic practice. By identifying your why, you can begin to create work that is meaningful to you.
Find inspiration in your experiences
One of the most powerful sources of inspiration for artists is their own experiences. Look to your life for inspiration – your relationships, your challenges, your joys, and your struggles. By exploring these experiences through your art, you can create work that is deeply personal and meaningful.
One of my personal challenges with making art is time. I am a full-time working mom, alongside my artistic journey. As an artist I need time to ruminate and play with my artistic expression. Maintaining a full life and making art can create a bit of a balancing act. However, I decided early on to make this challenge an opportunity to carve out meaningful pockets of time for art making. I make these moments in art making as impactful as possible.
Take time to reflect on your work
The act of creating art is not the end of the creative process. In fact, it's only a small part. Reflection plays an important role and is essential in making art. Take time to reflect on your work and what it means to you. What message are you trying to convey? What emotions are you expressing? Reflecting on your most recent artistic session can help you identify themes, patterns and challenges. This helps you make intentional decisions for future works. By reflecting on your work, you can additionally gain a deeper appreciation for what you've created and find new ways to infuse meaning into your art.
In the end, finding meaning in your art is a deeply personal and powerful experience. It requires vulnerability, self-reflection, and a willingness to explore the depths of your own creative expression. But the rewards are immeasurable. By tapping into the unique perspectives and experiences that shape you, you can create artwork that is not only beautiful, but also deeply resonant and meaningful. So, keep exploring, keep experimenting, and keep searching for the meaning and purpose that drives your artistic passion. You never know where it might lead you.
xo 