Thinking about creativity, while the world is going to pieces can feel indulgent. But is it?
There’s so much crumminess in the world right now, it's really easy to get overwhelmed and wonder what the heck is the point of being creative. I don't know about you, but in order to keep my spirits up I keep coming back to the basic idea that the fight for beauty and joy in the world is still meaningful. In times like these people need to be reminded to notice the little glimmers around them, to observe and cherish them. It’s absolutely a form of hope. So I keep working. Even if it only means my images or ideas can lighten someone else’s day, I feel it’s worth it. And sometimes making art can be cathartic even if it’s not beautiful.
At times like these, I look to others for inspiration. The inspirational quote may be an overused meme at this point, but sometimes if you dig into the origins of a quote it can reveal some interesting details.
“If I can’t dance, it’s not my revolution!”
The above quote is attributed to Emma Goldman, a fascinating women known for her feminist, anarchist activism. Born in the Russian Empire in 1869, she later emigrated to the USA. Apparently she never said these exact words, but she did express very similar, albeit wordier sentiments; When she was frowningly told that it did not behoove an agitator to dance, she responded with:
"I did not believe that a Cause which stood for a beautiful ideal, for anarchism, for release and freedom from conventions and prejudice, should demand the denial of life and joy."
Emma Goldman
Here's a few more insights from people who express this stuff way better than I do...
"We must risk delight. We can do without pleasure, but not delight. Not enjoyment. We must have the stubbornness to accept our gladness in the ruthless furnace of this world. To make injustice the only measure of our attention is to praise the Devil."
Jack Gilbert
"It is rude not acknowledge your delights."
Ross Gay
"Joy is an act of resistance."
Toi Derricotte