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MOTIVATION Monday

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Updated: Dec 19, 2024

Art as the Task of Life: Creating with Purpose

We’ve all heard the expression, “Art imitates life.” But what if art is more than that? 


Friedrich Nietzsche, the philosopher who loved to push boundaries, once said, “Art is the proper task of life.” It wasn’t just a throwaway line. Nietzsche believed that art wasn’t simply something we do for fun or a side project—it’s essential to how we find meaning in life. So, what does that mean for you as a beginning or intermediate artist? How do you take this big idea and apply it to your own art?




Art as a Way of Living

When you first pick up a pencil, paintbrush, or camera, art might feel like something you do to relax or experiment with, maybe even an escape from everyday life. And it can be that. But Nietzsche’s quote hints at something bigger. Art isn’t just an activity—it’s a way of engaging with the world, of making sense of your experiences. As you create, you’re telling your own story.



Personally, I’m never without my camera ( I love my collection of old Polaroids). Whether I’m traveling to far-off places, capturing family moments, or simply wandering in my own backyard, I consider myself an image collector. Over the years, I’ve built a massive library of personal photos. These images aren’t just reference points for my work; they’re emotional reminders of places I’ve been, people I’ve seen, and experiences I’ve had. They help me infuse my art with pieces of my own life.

Even if you’re just starting out, you can do this too. Your art is a reflection of your life, and the more you immerse yourself in it, the more meaningful your work will become.




The Artist’s Role in Creating Meaning

One of the most beautiful things about art is how it allows us to respond to life. Every time you create something, you’re making a statement—even if it’s just a simple sketch or abstract splash of color. You’re communicating a feeling, a thought, or a reaction to what’s happening around you. That’s what makes art such a powerful form of expression.

But I’ll be honest: not every piece I make resonates with me. I can’t count how many times I’ve created something only to look at it and feel... off. Maybe someone else would love it or buy it, but I just can’t shake the bad energy it gives me. Over the years, I’ve come to love the catharsis of burning some of these works—just letting them go. But there are others I’ve cut up and repurposed into something entirely new, like beautiful collages or even jewelry. Even when a piece feels wrong, there’s potential for it to transform into something else.

As an artist, you have the power to turn life’s imperfections and challenges into something meaningful, whether through a finished work or by reshaping it. Don’t be afraid to embrace that process.



Creating with Purpose

Here’s the thing: Creating with intention is key. When Nietzsche said, “Art is the proper task of life,” he wasn’t talking about mindlessly making pretty things. He was talking about creating with meaning. Every time you sit down to work on a piece, you’re engaging with life itself. But to do that effectively, you need to understand why you’re creating.

Knowing the intent behind a piece is critical to the process for me. I always teach my students that if you can’t explain what you’ve done or haven’t thought deeply about it, you can’t expect to communicate that to someone else. Art is communication, and to communicate well, you need to know the message you’re trying to convey.

That said, I don’t always know the message at the beginning. I often ask myself, “Why am I creating this?” Sometimes I don’t have an answer right away. But I start anyway. What I’ve learned over the years is that even though a piece may not explain itself at first, it has a way of revealing its purpose during the process. Trusting that unfolding is part of the magic of art.


The Journey Over the Destination

Here’s something I’ve learned: The process of creating art is just as important—if not more so—than the final product. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that you need to produce something perfect or gallery-worthy every time. But art is about exploration. It’s about growth. It’s about discovering new parts of yourself and your voice as an artist.

Personally, I can’t stick with one style for too long. It’s a blessing and a curse. From a sales standpoint, I get that galleries often want a consistent, branded style from artists. But I find experimenting with new processes, mediums, and styles far more fulfilling. It keeps me excited about my work, and every time I try something new, I grow. Art, like life, is about evolution—if you keep doing the same thing, you stop moving forward.

So don’t stress about finding “your style” too early. Allow yourself to try different techniques and explore various mediums. What you create today doesn’t have to look like what you’ll create a year from now.






Art as a Lifelong Practice

Art, much like life, is never static. It’s a practice that evolves with you. The more you create, the more your work will change and reflect your experiences. There’s no rush to find your voice or stick to a single path. The important thing is to keep showing up, creating, and allowing yourself to grow as both an artist and a person.

So next time you sit down to work on a piece, remember Nietzsche’s words. Your art is a reflection of your experiences, your thoughts, and your unique way of engaging with the world. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.


What part of life will you reflect in your art today?


See you in the studio!




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