What art means to me

I have enjoyed making art for as long as I can remember. This has never been in doubt. But in recent years, I’ve wondered about the specific role that it plays in my life: Why do I enjoy making art, and why do I make the pieces that I do? My reflections on these questions are below:

Art is a form of meditation (to me, at least). It requires that I look closely–at the piece I’m making, and the object or image from which I’m copying (if there is one). This act of looking brings me wholly into the present moment. Eventually, I get out of the ‘world of thoughts’ and forget that there even is a present moment.

When I’m completely immersed in a piece, my perception of self and time dissolve. Hours go by in what seems like a flash, and I feel as if I’ve ‘become one’ with my pencil or paintbrush. (I learned many years after I ever picked up a pencil that these are common effects of the so-called ‘Flow state’)

Making art has other psychologically beneficial effects outside of getting into Flow. It has been a way to channel complex thoughts and emotions in a productive way. Feelings of frustration or sadness have been sublimated into works that are tangible and (I hope) beautiful.

Whether a piece remains tucked away inside of a sketchbook or is prominently displayed on a wall afterwards is irrelevant. The process of making it is what has always mattered most.

Through personal reflection I’ve learned that each of my artworks was the visual expression of an ideal. Making them was my way of affirming–both to myself and the world–the values I admired, held true, or sought to embody in my own life.

Much of the art I made growing up depicted athletes and artists who inspired me. I was motivated by the tenacity of Kobe Bryant, the relentless spirit of Rafael Nadal, and the artistry of Kid Cudi.

Interestingly, this processes was always subconscious. I wouldn’t have been able to explain why I chose to make each piece when I did, I just felt ‘compelled’ and began my work. It is only in hindsight that I can explain why each one was significant to me at that particular point in time.

In addition to bringing immense joy and enabling me to authentically express myself, art has given me a means through which to push my own personal limits (for instance, trying new mediums or creating bigger pieces). This has in turn enabled me to grow–both as an artist and person.

The Art of Painting was at times painstaking and arduous, but it also led to profound feelings of inspiration and satisfaction. The Libyan Sibyl filled me with confidence in my own ability to take on new challenges (I write about that here).

Perhaps what I love most about art is that the journey is never truly over. There is always something new to try or learn.

Every new piece–some of which are on this site, and many others of which are not–brought its own challenges and turned me into a beginner in some way. I think that this is very important.

If you’re reading this, thank you. I hope you enjoy.