The creative journey is always a meandering one, with occasional highlights of public recognition and potentially earning some money from the endeavours, but neither of these are the fuel with which we create, as those exterior fuels can run dry.
In his book 'The Creative Act', Rick Rubin talks about ignoring the audience, creating just for yourself. This can feel wildly indulgent, and often isn't a decision that your bank balance will thank you for, but in order to find your true voice it's important not to create based on the expectations of others. We all start by imitating our influences but as we grow it's important to tune into the elements of our work which excite us, not because someone else said so, or wants to pay for it, but because it rings true.
That is the thread to pull, itch to scratch, idea to develop etc. etc.
It might not get you worldly rewards, because our consumerist society doesn't always reward the things it cannot define, categorise or monetise easily. The route to what is deemed 'success' is tricky, can be convoluted (and eventually met with others who want a slice of the pie!). I have friends who have made amazing records which have never been released, written books that haven't been published or taken photographs which may never grace the walls of a gallery. I've made plenty of things over the years which either never made it out into the world or fell flat when they did, and you learn from those, but I had the luxury of time and resource to scratch those itches to see what might come of them, sometimes they connect and sometimes they don't. For all those 'failed' projects their time may yet come, but the endeavour of creating them is the reward. The collaboration, the craft, the distilling of inspiration through a voice you didn't previously have.
Finally, I hope you all have an enriching and revitalising festive period, enjoying time with family, friends and some treats along the way. It can be very easy to become self-indulgent over the next few weeks, and without wanting to get preachy please know that there are those around you who may well find this time of year difficult. For many reasons, Christmas and the New Year puts added stress and pressure on areas of our lives which may have already been hard, so spare what you can for those around you, through your generosity of time, money, food, hospitality or simply being a friend to someone who needs someone to listen. Please don't underestimate what you can offer to those around you.
This article is taken from my December Mailout which also features some of my latest news and cultural highlights.
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