a first aid kit for the lost artist
Sometimes I find myself stuck in a nihilistic, negative view about art. And I know that I don’t truly believe it, but the logical side of me takes over and has the art side of me at knife point. This imbalance often lasts days. Symptoms include time passing too quickly or too slowly, lack of or too much daydreaming, and a general tiredness.
For those who need an emergency first aid kit for the dying artist inside of them.
first aid kit contents include:
Experience the following. Pick and choose or simply go down the list.
- read: Karl Paulnack’s address to freshman parents at Boston Conservatory
- watch: video essay on art sins by CJ the X
- read: the preface of Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
- listen: art is dead by Bo Burnham
- watch: La La Land movie dir. Damien Chazelle
- read: Blue Period manga by Tsubasa Yamaguchi
- alternative: Go on a solo art trip to a local art thing. Could be a museum, theatre, botanical garden, a cafe, literally anything counts as long as you are seeing the world with art in mind. Find art.
Consider the following. I would recommend journaling, but do what helps you reflect.
- Do you consider yourself an artist? Why or why not?
- Is art important to you personally? Is art important in the world?
- Are you currently “dreaming” or are you currently in “reality”? Where is the ideal place?
Slowly make your way back to creating. Perhaps try a new medium or new restrictions on old forms.
To prevent against future reoccurrences, consider acts of curation.
- Keep collections of inspirations. Identify what resonates with you.
- If you have space, have a personal gallery space with rotating exhibits in your living space. Cover the walls with art that stirs something in you.
Best of luck.