DAY 3: WE ARE ALL ARTISTS

ART for the purposes of this post is every expression of a person towards their divine purpose. Even in conventional terms, art doesn't have a fixed meaning, it is a fluid expression of human thought and emotion.

So when I mention art here, don't let your mind drift only to the Monalisa or one of Beethoven classics, think about the work you have a sense of purpose towards.

If you are a small business owner, a little social media influencer, a budding philanthropist, a diligent 9-5er, a zeal bound evangelist, passionate yet inexperienced thought leader in your field of work or just a broke girl with a dream, YOU ARE A CREATOR.

The surprising thing is that all art begins with as an idea. Inspiration usually starts out as a random thought, an idea, a burden, something someone said in passing or something you just started noticing. The work is sitting with that idea and generating something meaningful for consumption and that is where many of us lag behind. So here are a couple of things I've learnt along my own artsy journey.

1. You were created to create.

Consider creating a default. The One who created you made you with the intention that you'd replicate that trait. Think of the world we live in; the devices we use, the food we eat, clothing, shelter, it's because someone decided to create.

The warmth of a home, the savouring delicacies coming from kitchens, all these were once in somebody's mind until they decided to make it a reality.

Creating is second nature, tap into it.

2. Art doesn't expire.

I saw this in someone's insta caption and something lept within me. As someone who creates something of any sort sometimes we get into the runt of stressing about people not engaging with our content as we would want them to.

And you've tried some stuff out; creating

content for social media, stepping out to organize events, advertising your business, actively engaging with church activities and all the good stuff but you do not seem to see any real material benefits. No money, no likes, no applause, no reputation, you're just doing.

I'd just like to shout out “art doesn't expire”. You might move on to other ventures but you have left a footprint of impact along the path. Even if your expression doesn't not have a digital footprint for us to refer to, it will still live on in the heart of that one person it reached. Someone will echo the same sentiments and pass it down to others because they saw how you lived it out. It will take on forms you never knew it could, it will outlive you. Just create.

3. Art is labour

Uhmm…how is that supposed to motivate me, Juliana?

So that you don't throw in the towel when the demands gets high 💁.

I've listened to 40 minute sermons, seen 500 page articles and sat in wonder at the level of study and work that must have led to that body of work. And yes, they drew me closer to God but they obviously didn't stumble on that masterpiece by chance.

I've read fiction and wondered how in the world a human being’s mind could come up with such brilliance. Creating fictional kingdoms, languages and traumas. Writing stories that tugs at the heart and teases the brain. A superpower fr.

I've read non-fiction and wondered what life experience led this author to settle on this school of thought. Decades of mistakes, trying, failures summed up in 300 pages. The strength to be vulnerable enough to share it with complete strangers, that's tough.

I'm a big believer that most works are products of hard unspoken labour. Labour of the hands, mind or spirit but usually all of them.

4. Art evolves

Let's not go too far, I've had a post that I posted recently that has been in my drafts from as far back as 2020. If you saw the original draft and the finished work, you'll be surprised because the difference is vast. The draft has grown with me through seasons. My perspective has changed, my writing style changed and my capacity to be vulnerable with audiences has also changed.

The number of rewrites, editing, moments when you want to cancel the project altogether and finally one moment when a bright idea changes the course of the project, that is the beauty of art.

5. Your variety is needed

No matter how many books I read I never cease to be amazed at the level of variety. Take these two authors/speakers, Priscilla Shirer and Jackie Hill Perry.

I love listening to Jackie speak, she has this gift of giving wording to some very complex human experiences. When I listen to her speak, I can only thank her for verbalizing what I did not have words for. Priscilla, on the other hand, is a much simpler and less philosophical speaker but gosh how I love Priscilla's writing. There's just a beauty in how simple she carries her message that I find unique.

Each carry something that is distinct and special.

There's an audience for each type of the artistic spectrum you fall under. Best believe if God has given you the gift and the licence to go ahead then He has appointed a set of ears/eyes to see it.

6. Art doesn't have to always look or sound profound.

We miss out on a lot of interesting interactions because we're trying to sound smart and composed. Be spontaneous, be cringe, say what's on your mind for once. Too much packaging destroys the content. Art can be whimsical. It doesn't always have to be a teaching experience. It can be fun and bubbly.

Just to be enjoyed.