Why We Create

Do you ever finish a new song, write a story, or paint something and then sit back and wonder, who will ever see this? Or worse, you think to yourself, why would they want to hear my song or read my story or appreciate my painting? And you start second guessing your art, before anyone has even heard of it or you.

This kind of thinking is dangerous, but common for all of us that create.

How do you escape this negative way of thinking?

I think the real issue here is not really what people will think, but for us to understand the reason we create in the first place.

Now, as Christians we often feel "led" by God to create, to further His Kingdom right? And there is nothing wrong with that. But WHY do we do the creating part? I mean, we could pick up trash at the church and serve too. So what about creating drives us?

1. We Do It For Fun

It's just fun to make music, write stories, or paint. It's something we can do that's unique, but beyond that we just LIKE doing it. We like thinking about it, dreaming about it, talking about it. It's the thing that our mind goes to when it has a moment to itself.

The artist produces for the liberation of his soul. It is his nature to create as it is the nature of water to run down the hill. - W. Somerset Maugham

For those of us that are blessed to be able to use our minds in this creative fashion, it is God's gift to us. I think He wants it to be fun for us. He smiles at each of our creations just like he smiles at us, His creations. I guess that makes our creations like God's grand-creations!

So have fun doing what you create and take joy in the doing.

True happiness comes from the joy of deeds well done, the zest of creating things new. - Antoine de Saint-Exupery 

2. We Do It For Recognition

Now, don't get haughty on me. We all would like our art to please others the way it does us. It's only natural that if our art pleases us, then we may think it may please others.

Not always true. But we think that anyway.

The trouble comes when we get too caught up in that side of the artistic equation. We begin to worry that this or that won't please our intended audience. Now, to some extent, this is a good thing. Editing, rewriting, drafts, etc are a great way to make sure our creative vision is as strong as it can be. But sometimes caring too much about what others will think can be paralyzing.

If you're creating anything at all, it's really dangerous to care about what people think. - Kristen Wiig 

We have to keep that part as far away as we can from the creative process. But this does end up being one of the major factors of why we freak out so much and don't take the next steps with our art.

3. We Do It For Love

In order to create there must be a dynamic force, and what force is more potent than love? - Igor Stravinsky

This is different from the fun part, and brings us back around towards why we write, sing, or draw for God. Or, maybe we do it because it's inspired by our love for our spouse, kids, or just a beautiful sunset.

It could even be for the love of the craft, the sound of a chord, the poetry of the words, or the colors that mix together.

This is actually the most beautiful and true of the reasons we create. Because something moves us deeply when we do.

4. We Do It Because It Entertains Us

Forget about entertaining others, there are many times that the audience is just me! I can think for hours on creative things that I am working on. These things may never see the light of day production wise. If I were to die far more songs, stories, and ideas would die with me than I ever managed to make available for anyone to see or hear.And I have produced hundreds if not thousands of songs, blogs, albums, etc.

But many times it simply is so interesting for me to think about and journal about. And I almost wonder if in some ways that's enough.

I may likely never become a well-known author of fiction, but it still delights me to write it, think about it, and plan it.

And to be honest, THAT is probably the main reason I create: because the act of creating is so fulfilling personally. Yes, sharing it with others is nice, but never as good as when I first create it and sit and listen, read, or look at it.

That's what feeds my creative soul, and if God takes me tomorrow, I will have lived and used His gift to the fullest. No matter how many people know about it.

Have a great week!

EC

--

Eric Copeland has just created another thing, and maybe someone will read it, but he had fun writing it nonetheless. Despite his ramblings above, he actually spends just as much time creating amazing works for Christian music ministries through his Nashville-based company Creative Soul. If you can relate to his views about creativity and are ready to get started making your own art, check out http://www.CreativeSoulOnline.com