On being an artist

by Ying Ying

So here’s another article by Jeff Goins, The World Needs More Artists.

What he says is true. And I quote:

We need art

These friends of mine — these artists — are doing something that borderlines on obsession. They’re tirelessly working their fingers to the bone to create something important and meaningful. They’re spending more time on their craft than they ever will be rewarded for.

But none of that matters to them. Because they’re creating art. And while the “reward” may never come, they will leave a legacy.

Art allows us to see the invisible, to call forth light in a world shrouded in darkness. It speaks to that most real part of ourselves we’ve forgotten. It transcends circumstance and gives perspective.

And this:

If it’s excellent, and nobody sees it, it doesn’t count. If it’s on display for the world to see, but ordinary, it’s irrelevant.

The path to compelling work lies somewhere in between the two extremes of genius-but-invisible and ordinary-but-in-your face.

Only the artist knows the true balance; only she can find the harmony. This is the person with the taste and passion to make meaningful work. She’s the ones with enough gumption to create change. These people — true artists — are rare. And for good reason.

If this resonates with you, you’re an artist, and don’t ever do your work for money, do it for passion. It’s the one favor for the rest of the world.