Why do you write? Why is it important for artist to make art and for writers to

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   Violet Flameposted 11 years ago

   Why do you write? Why is it important for artist to make art and for writers to write?
   
   Do you think, we as writers, artists, musicians make a difference to our world?
   I, for one, did not grow up in an environment that encourages and rewards creativity. In my world, it seems far more important to have money and status. In my bid to stay true to myself, I often feel very much alone and unsupported emotionally. Therefore, I often ask myself this question, in order to find my anchor in my decision to be a writer/artist. I will appreciate any imput and insight from you. Thank You xo

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   Wytchewoodeposted 11 years ago

   Violet Flame (lovely name) I would like to think as artists (an all-encompassing collective noun for creatives generally) that the world is somewhat richer for the contribution we make but, at least for me and I think it true of all artists, I don't think the choice is entirely ours. Painters paint, writers write, musicians make a noise because we must. It is something not so much *in* us but *of* us and is an impulse, an irresistable drive; in a way we are possessed, by whatever muse it is that drives us to paint, write, compose or create. I am a writer and I write simply because I must and I cannot envisage my life or my world without that. If others find some pleasure or discovery in what I write, great, but the prime mover is not for public recognition or accolades, or wealth ... although these are not to be refused , no, our creativity as artists in whatever medium or media we choose to work springs from a well deep within us that we cannot ignore.
   
   Your second point is valid in that status and wealth have always been highly prized but I would suggest that any labourer is 'worthy of his hire' and as artists we are entitled to receive suitable recompense for our work whether it is a painting, an article, a novel or a symphony. Although our vocation is frequently of its nature a solitary one - we may not work the 9 to 5 in some high rise steel and concrete office surrounded by colleagues - there's no need to feel alone.  Join one of the many online communities or groups to share your work, receive constructive feedback or just chit chat with like-minded souls.
   
   I sincerely trust you will find some centre from which you will grow and develop and that you will flourish and contribute something beautiful to the world. 
   
   My regards

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      Violet Flameposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Wytchewoode, you are so right that we don't really have a choice in the matter. It is our nature to create, for writers write, painters to paint and singers to sing. It is part and parcel of who we are and the world is a better place because of it.

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   Moeskyposted 11 years ago

   This is a very profound question - don't stop asking it. I find it interesting that people who value status and money above art actually do nothing other than invest their money in it: a nice house designed by an architect (artist), a nice car and other material goods all designed by creative designers (artists), a good meal in a classy restaurant (a top chef is also an artist), a night at the theater or opera or a concert (all artists). Artists don't just make a difference to the world... they ARE the world. And I believe anyone who has the courage to follow their own heart and discover their creative identity has more of an understanding about the nature and wonder of life than most other people. But don't get me wrong - I also believe that all humans are creative beings - communicators and expressionists... they just don't know it.
   Be yourself, express yourself authentically... that is the highest art of all.

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      Violet Flameposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Moesky, just read ur "Storytelling can change the world" and its title says it all. It takes courage to be true to ourselves and 2 follow our heart and passion. Without the artists, there will be no worlds, as there will be no story about said worlds

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   Pennypinesposted 11 years ago

   First of all do creative people make a difference in this world?  Emphatically YES.  Writers, artists, musicians, humanitarians whether recognized or not, leave a lasting legacy. an imprint however small or insignificant has each in its own way a value that will last through the ages. 
   As Christ himself said "a prophet is not without honor, except among his own people..."  Do not be discouraged by those who would devalue you.  They are the unimportant ones.  Rise above such critics they are the worthless of the world.

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      Violet Flameposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you Pennypines for your powerful conviction! Indeed everything leaves an imprint, no matter how small. A butterfly flapping its wing is said to be able to cause a cyclone in another part of the world. No story is ever lost.

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   Beth Cassandraposted 11 years ago

   In my opinion I am an artist and a writer, I like art because I like what I see, Art to me is at Christmas I like to draw my christmas cards, of views I know others will like seeing, usually country scenes of a past few decades or for a bigger picture,
   I paint in oils something I know is beautiful to look at, I do it as much for myself as for others.
   I write, because I like a pen in my hand about life as it is or I would like it to be,about life as I see it, and how it was now and years ago, I write what I believe to be the truth, however good or bad,I could never stop writing ever,, I write because that is what I like to do..and nothing will ever change that....money is never the object, I have enough..... Bess Cassandra.....

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      Violet Flameposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      let's just say word is in your blood! It sounds like no one will be able to stop you from writing, ever! Good on you Beth, Happy Writing and Making Art xoxo

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   Beata Stasakposted 11 years ago

   The creative people often see things around them that other people miss, they look at the world through highly sensitive, creative lenses and they are often amazed that what they see other people can't or don't even bother to see....their products of art or writing are often the reflection of the world how they see it....sharing their lenses of their special vision with the world....and we are all richer for it:)

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      Violet Flameposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      that's so true Beata Stasak, we do present to the world forever new, fresh and surprising perspectives...if it won't for the creative writers and artists, the world will be a very boring place indeed!

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   Diana Leeposted 11 years ago

   Don't be discouraged by people who don't understand your urge to write. They sometimes don't get it only because they don't read. Practice makes perfect no matter what the craft so the better you get the more you want inspiration to keep going. Someone will read it.  Someone will admire your art. And someone will encourage you enough to make a difference in going forward or stopping.  Creative people often like all the arts.  I know I do.

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      Violet Flameposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      ha ha " they sometimes don't get it only because they don't read"...thank you for making me laugh Diana Lee, there is some truth in that though, lol, yes, only if we touch one person at a time, it is something.

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   yankeeintexasposted 11 years ago

   I find writing to be a wonderful way to organize ones thoughts! I use it to share my faith, teach, and to just be creative. Writing, art, and music are also ways for to leave a legacy for the next generation to see how we viewed the world on our time, and to to give light when times are at their darkest.

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      Violet Flameposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you yankeeintexas, yes writing is an invaluable way to share knowledge. Often I feel the urge to pass some hard earned lessons in the hope that someone else in similar situations might benefit....it's the writers' way of doing good deeds ^^

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   austinhealyposted 11 years ago

   Like any human activity, I am convinced that different people write for different reasons. In my case, I write for the sheer pleasure of it. Writing mostly fiction, I particularly enjoy the process of creating characters with qualities and (a lot of) flaws, having the power to make them live, love and die at will. I think it is a tremendous, pleasurable power, and the process is harmlees to others, even if a character dies violently or painfully.  If in the end, I have been able to entertain only one reader other than myself, then I consider I have been successful. But if there are many, I'll take that too...

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      Violet Flameposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you austinhealy, sounds like you have loads of fun with ur writing! I think the power of imagination is a real gateway into how we can create on a larger scale. There's a theory that says everything we can imagine exist. What a responsibility!

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    Brandon Tartposted 11 years ago

    I think it's a compulsion for me at times, and at others impulsion.  I disagree with the statement that the only way to improve your craft, is by constantly exercising it.  I think contemplation is key there, but as for writing and art, I happen to do both...either compulsively (long periods of art making and writing, or impulsively - struck with a manic need to write, draw, sculpt etc.)
    
    Take me up on this challenge and be objective in your aim.  Listen to the band TOOL.  They make an album once every five years.  Other rock bands crank out albums once every quarter it seems, and their craft suffers from what appears to be their owners (labels) demanding it of them... they are no longer artists, but corporate washouts.  You probably know some examples, so I won't name any of the latter.  But I want to list several TOOL songs for you to listen to in the order I am listing them in from their first album to their most recent.  They own their own label, and they make ART because it inspires others.  I think that when we make art less out of coercion from what we have heard about how to improve, and spend time improving our selves, our art is made from an impulse to share one's development for the edification of others. I am listing the songs with their lyrics so you can see the spiritual growth of the Singer/songwriter, and the band as a whole since I imagine they all have similar philosophical, and spiritual thoughts.  This list is in order from their earliest records to their most recent.  We should take time to reflect on what we write, or what art we make visually because words and images are extremely poignant!  Here is the list as links...
    
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9izLcXH0Hu8
    
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZjGDYpQACc
    
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h201m8_pkRI
    
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhvcqwZdaqU
    
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBsZbL-Akms

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    vmoultonposted 11 years ago

    I write to purge. A million collected tidbits of data swarm my head as soon as my eyes greet the sun. I write to feel. After an unsatisfied customer complains, I vomit my anger onto a blank page. I write to grieve. I left my pain behind on a blog post after I lost my baby.
    
    I write to live. When I don’t write, I read to live again.

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       Moeskyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Pure poetry!

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       Violet Flameposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       That's absolutely beautiful vmoulton, and healthy! That way, nothing get pent up. You cleanse and purge ur energy system everyday through words. I do it everyday with meditation and self massage and every day there's more 2 b released. Happy Writing!

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    tomski18posted 11 years ago

    I would like to express myself and at the same time sharing of knowledge.

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    oceanuniverseposted 11 years ago

    I write because it is the best way for me to express myself. Really do not talk to people the best way, what I say usually does not come out the way I had hoped. So with writing it lets me be me, to express myself freely and be more open. Plus, so many stories to write, looking all over you can get so many ideas just by looking who is in front of you or sitting right across from you. With writing you can do anything, and as with reading you can travel anywhere you want.

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