On the difficulties of creative expression
There’s been many times where I’ve been inspired to build a sculpture, pen a story, or write a piece of music. Heck, my various sketchbooks have all sorts of half-baked inspirations; ideas which came to me in a flash, and then proceeded to disappear just as quickly. As an artist, I’ve found that I have the most difficulty expression myself beyond bursts of sheer creativity.
For example, on the occasion, I’ll be inspired to write a beautiful, poetic, heartfelt song. I can get as far as picking up a guitar, hitting a few notes on the piano, maybe writing a lyric or two, before I’ve just lost it and I can’t summon the same mentality which allowed me to start the project in the first place. It’s not any easier with visual art. Oftentimes, I find myself sketching a design of a piece which reflects some sort of personal expression, and it never gets realized into an actual completed piece.
Tell me to write a song about beer, or about stereotypes, or about anything tangible, really, and give me a sheet of paper, I’ll have the song done by the end of the night. Have me create a sculpture with a direct line to the thought behind it, and I’ll have it done without a problem. But creating on a more abstract level, when trying to put undefined meaning and intention into my work, and there are practically insurmountable blockades.
I think that’s what I admire about both art and the artists who manage to transcend that blockade. It’s been one of the hardest and most frustrating challenges I’ve faced, where I cannot find the words to properly express myself in a certain medium. To date, I have written three songs which I consider to be heartfelt, and all of them involved an agonizing process which left me exhausted. The same goes for sculptures I’ve created which have more than just base intention in it. Same with my other writings…but perhaps it is that extra incredible effort that is the key to overcoming this frustrating obstacle. If I am able to hold an idea for long enough to run through the grueling process of bringing it to life, then I can proudly write my name on the piece. However, an idea should not be brought to light if I am not willing to go to those lengths for my creative expression.
