Finding Meaning In Creating - Do You Create What You Gives You Meaning?

[Dan Goodwin]

One of the main reasons we create, is because we find meaning through the process of creating, and in what we produce at the end of it.

When this meaning is lacking, when we’re simply creating blindly and going through the motions, then we may continually question why we’re even bothering to create at all. Then in time, we just stop creating altogether.

Let me share the story of a young writer called Elizabeth.

Elizabeth wrote poems and short stories, and after much persistence, landed what she thought she always wanted, a deal with a publisher to release a collection of her stories.

Overjoyed at first, Elizabeth felt incredibly proud at what she’d achieved, and seeing her own name sharing the same shelf space as some of her literary heroes was an amazing thrill.

The book sold well and soon, inevitably, the publishing house sought more stories to produce a follow up volume. They were very specific in their remit that it should, essentially, be virtually a carbon copy of the first book, as that had proven to be saleable.

In the months since Elizabeth had written the stories for the first book, her writing had moved on somewhat. She didn’t really write the same kind of stories anymore and with her new found confidence had begun exploring other genres, as well as taking first steps in painting and learning the piano.

So there was a dilemma, and Elizabeth had to make a decision.

Would she write the follow up to her publisher’s requested specification and release another popular seller? Or would she tell her publisher that she had evolved in her writing and share with them some of her latest work with a view to publication?

Whether you’re a writer or not, and whether your work has been seen by millions or just you and your cat, the dilemma is the same for all of us.

When you find a style or a medium you enjoy, should you then plough that furrow for years, knowing it will produce some kind of tried and tested and familiar result? Even if it loses meaning and purpose for you?

Or do you continue to explore and evolve as an artist? Do you pursue what excites you, what motivates you, what you feel you’re called to create, rather than what you feel you “should” create?

In creating we find meaning that sometimes we can’t find in any other areas of our lives. We create to make better sense of the world around us. We create to better understand and know ourselves.

In short, we create to find meaning, driven by motivations we sometimes don’t understand, but we know, deep down, draw us ever onward.

This may mean switching media, styles, techniques, locations and many other elements. The pursuit of what you’re drawn to create, what gives you most meaning, may take you far and wide, artistically, stylistically, emotionally and physically.

You’re an artist. This is your purpose.

So, what did happen to Elizabeth, what did she choose, the cloned sequel or offering her new, different work?

She chose both. Elizabeth made a shrewd deal with her publishers and agreed to write a follow up book of short stories, if they also agreed to release a new book of more abstract poetry she’d been working on.

Maybe you’d see that as selling out. Or maybe you’d see it as a smart way of bringing new work to an audience that would never have otherwise have seen it.

In the meantime Elizabeth continued to explore the creative ideas and media that gave her meaning and enjoyment, including writing, painting and piano.

So, how does this relate to your creative life?

Do you find meaning in what you create? Do you enjoy it? Do you feel you’re evolving, both as an artist, and as a person through how and what you create?

If the answer to any of these is “no”, and if you realise you’re creating what you feel you “should” create, rather than what gives you meaning and pleasure, then maybe it’s time to explore and experiment a little.

To quote Howard Thurman:

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

Share your thoughts and experiences below about finding meaning in YOUR creative life...

[image credit: Homage to Babsi by Stompy]

[Beth Clark]

Hi, Dan. It's been awhile since I've been around CCS, but I do stop by occasionaly. Read your article today and it went right to the mark. Just had a conversation two days ago about this very thing. It has given me immense hope since I have felt creatively lost for months now because of being in a rut. Thankyou for CCS and thankyou for the great articles! You have given, (and continue to give), much needed encouragement.
Have a great day!
Beth

[NITA]

complete sense.

Right now I am sitting in my creative room in my garden its only 10 o clock and little miss ego has crept in with her should be doing this and should be creating that....funny thing the very things that come to me easy and make me feel in my element are the things I avoid or put off until later in the day...writing is the number one....

then i question am i creating for me or for 'them' the mind zooms into the future......

i can only say that it is trusting and having the courage, faith and love to keep going...sometimes small steps....

At present my passion seems to come and go......i asked myself this morning what would i like to create today?

My mind was blank......i wasn't sure....so I came here.....movement always leads somewhere....

[jane]

i sometimes feel a cheat and certainly dont think i have the nerve to call myself an artist as my "dabblings" are random and intermittent...

but... writing, especially, helps me through dark times, times when i feel extremes of emotions - highs and lows. it helps me place things, express those emotions and hope for balance and a return to calm - for both elation and depression can be disturbing in some respects!

does this help me develop and evolve as an "artist"? yes most definitely. through this expression i see colours of my life differently and it helps me to work out feelings that sometimes have become muddied by experiences...

does any of that make sense? x

[Susan Hosken]

Dan, Great question. I create because I get such satisfaction from the process and the finished art work. I pursue a huge number of creative interests and have learnt the great lesson of doing a little bit in each so i can enjoy them all and to focus on completing things as well. In making choices about what i do i follow where my spirit leads me. I also make use of opportunities like talking with friends to do my knitting and drawing while I am on the phone. I like to create whenever and wherever possible. It helps me to express who I am and to engage in the universe.
lots of love from susan in australia

[Ang Monsoon]

Love that quote. Nothing I can add to this.....