An Artist's Monologue

 

We are artists. Some of us are painters, some writers, some singers or dancers, some calligraphers and some of us just like to scribble in the last pages of our notebooks.

As artists, we are different. We were born with an urge to express ourselves. Those who say that we’re the same as the rest of the world doesn’t know our perspectives. We have an opinion about everything we see or feel. Whatever can be perceived by the senses is an inspiration to us. We involuntarily take into account every small detail around us. We hold on to the silliest of memories and like to relive them in our consciences. We find ambiguity in the simplest of circumstances and contemplate every other possibility. Sometimes, it’s a boon- an advantage we have over the rest of the world. We have the ability to critically analyze every event. No doubt, most of the innovators in history and in present had an artistic side.

And sometimes, being an artist is more of a curse than a blessing. We feel that it’s our responsibility to express everything we feel though we don’t need to. We often fall prey to acute anxiety, depression and suffer from identity crisis and inferiority complex. Not everyone can understand us. In spite of our deep understanding of the social structure, we are sensitive to what others say or think. When we do something or create something and show it to people, we expect more than just ‘good’. It might not be justified but it’s true. People often give us the cold shoulder and sometimes go to the extent of calling us worthless but do we stop? Nope! It’s not because we don’t want to. It’s because we can’t. So, here’s my message to all my fellow artists:

Keep doing whatever you do. You’re awesome and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You’re making the world a better place. You might not have a million admirers but keep grinding for that one fan who won’t give up on you. People might not see it today or ever but that one fan will always know.

Now, coming to the stereotypes…

Not all of us are victims of heartbreak or dedicated Romeos or Juliets. We don’t target our writings to hurt anyone’s sentiments. If they get hurt, we don’t need to take responsibility for that. We don’t spend the whole day writing, painting, singing or dancing. We have a life outside of that. We want people’s critical opinions but we don’t create art solely for that. At the end, we’re simple creatures who would like some appreciation for the stuff we do. That’s it!

And I rest my case here. I apologize if any of my statements contradict each other. Keep being creative!