“We’ve built a world where it’s possible to fly higher than ever, and the tragedy is that we’ve been seduced into believing that we ought to fly ever lower instead.”
Seth wrote an inspiring manifesto called We Are All Artists Now. It’s been eight years since it was published, but that doesn’t make it lesser relevant.
Falsifying myths
I particularly like how the busts the common myth (often believed by artists themselves) that one must be some sort of eccentric or weirdo to be able to create good art.
I find it easier to relate myself to his words because I’ve realized that actual work with real substance is more fulfilling than gimmicks.
When you hear the word “artist,” do you picture the slightly crazed Dalí or the self-destructive Jackson Pollock? Perhaps you’ve been trained to imagine that you need to be someone like Johnny Depp or Amanda F. Palmer in order to make art. This notion is both dangerous and wrong.
Oscar Wilde wrote that art is “new, complex, and vital.” Art isn’t something that’s made by artists. Artists are people who make art.
So, what does it mean to be an artist?
Seizing new ground, making connections between people or ideas, working without a map— these are works of art, and if you do them, you are an artist, regardless of whether you wear a smock, use a computer, or work with others all day long.
Your turn
Finally, Seth gently reminds us about the power of the internet, the potential it holds for artists, and how we mustn’t take it for granted.
Don’t waste this platform
We built this world for you. Not so you would watch more online videos, keep up on your feeds, and LOL with your high school friends. We built it so you could do what you’re capable of. Without apology and without excuse.
Go.
My thoughts? Let’s start by being honest with our work.