For many, creating art provides a sense of purpose. But, is the art you create meaningful to others?
Great art does not need to be purposeful. It is not a requirement. Yet, if you want your artwork to have an impact on others, keep reading. What is Meaningful Art?
Quite simply, meaningful art is a created form of expression that provokes a response. Among the myriad of possibilities, here are some possible reactions to an art piece:
Compassion, inspiration, anger, confusion, conviction, passion, opinion, sentiment, thought, awareness, perception, understanding, speculation, introspection, reflection, contemplation, motivation, revelation, pleasure, offense, excitement, pain, and joy.
Why Effect Matters
The wildly popular immersive art experiences are evidence that people want to experience art. As an artist, you possess a powerful gift that can help people experience transformation in their own lives. You can connect people to the things that matter to you and to them.
Are You an Inherent Artist?
Art is a healthy outlet for expression. Does art make you come alive? Do you wish you had more time and energy to create?
Do you daydream about color, patterns, lines, texture, form, words, stories, themes, movement, visual function, and so forth? If so, then you are, most likely, a genuine artist. Do you want your art to be beautiful? Impactful?
Your Art Can Provide Meaning to Others
Did you know that art can inspire and change lives on multiple levels? Art can impact people socially, culturally, economically, financially, emotionally, spiritually, professionally, mentally, and even physically.
A friend of ours was once married to an abusive partner. You probably wouldn’t know that if you met her now. In the midst of the abuse, she doubted her sanity and hid from the world in fear. Years later, she is a confident, healthy, success story.
She attributes much of her recovery to God and the power of art. She began to develop her artistic skills, not concerning herself with the right, wrong, or even the outcome of her work.
The process of creating helped her tell her story. Engaging in art helped her express deep feelings she could not otherwise uncover. As a result, her powerful story propelled other abuse victims to do the same.
How to Construct Purposeful Art
Your story might be different from our formerly abused friend's story. Because you are a human being, living in an imperfect world, you carry a supply of depth and perspective. Your story is your own, unlike anyone else’s story. You have something to tell. You might not have a display in the Louvre but you do have something to contribute.
With that in mind, ask yourself what you would like to present through your art. Do you want to tell a story? Create something stunningly beautiful? Or do you wish to make a simple statement? Once you decide, incorporate these 5 details:
1. Necessitate Originality
Be original. This is key. Trends are not your motivation. Do stay abreast of what is relevant in your industry. Don’t get caught up in creating art based on what’s trending for next year, or the newest or most popular fads. Be aware but stay true to what you want your own art to convey.
2. Narrate Your Life Give voice to your own soul and adventures. Communicate from your core with confidence. No one can tell your story quite like you.
Use words, photos, colors, symbols, motion, tastes, tunes, and design. Others can feel your victories, struggles, lessons, and even monotonous experiences through your craft. It is entirely possible that your adventures are not meant to be kept to yourself.
3. Note Your surroundings There is so much to observe. Each day, look around to discover the beauty, tragedy, and intrigue that surrounds you. Keep a journal, sketchbook, or notebook with you.
Jot down ideas whenever and wherever they hit. You might not use your notes immediately but you’ll be glad you kept a record of what you notice. 4. Net Your imagination Capture your imagination and unleash it into your art. Your imagination can transport someone else into another world.
For inspiration, become childlike and embrace the power of play. Read a book, not the internet. Interact with other artists. Try something new. Face a fear. Take a class. Travel. Visit a gallery.
5. Nourish Your spirit You are more than a physical being. Your spiritual life, though invisible, is the deepest part of you that longs to be uncovered. In a results-oriented, hurried, soul-stealing world, embrace the importance of quiet reflection.
Give thought to who you hope to impact through your art. Why does your artisanship matter?
We hope you delve deeper into your artwork, creating something that adds value and meaning to the lives of others. Art and beauty are for everyone! We encourage you to create and contribute.
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