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Dear Destroyx: From Muse to Artist
By Destroyx | March 4, 2009
I’m what you would call a muse. All I ever seem to do is inspire others to create things, or at least support them on their journey. I’m a bum’s enabler in a way. I am surrounded by magnificent people and for years I have told myself that the fact that these human perfections deem me worthy of being their friend it is good enough. Those thoughts of course are countered by my inability to start any kind of project. I believe I am incredibly full of passion and that is one thing I am extremely proud of. The Greek would ask about a dead person, “Did he/she, have passion?” and thank is truly beautiful. These days though all I seem to be doing is working and I use it as an excuse, saying I’m too busy to even consider making something. Most of the time I am, but sometimes I do get some windows of opportunity. On a resent visit a friend told me that she never thought I would take this path in life and that she always assumed I would do something creative. “But I’m only a muse,” I said to her and she countered that I just have yet to find my outlet. So how do I do that? How do I go from being so passionate to actually being creative? How do I find my outlet?
The world needs muses
Although you may feel frustrated that you are constantly enabling the people around you to achieve their full artistic potential, something you might need to realise is that you are contributing to their creative process in a huge way.
For me personally, I wouldn’t be able to achieve half of what I do without creative companionship and input from my small circle of friends. Without their support and team work, it would take a lot longer for me to realise my creative visions.
Behind most bands and artists is a team of people helping them to achieve their goals. For example a band doesn’t really only consist of the band members, other essential team members might include tour managers, graphic designers- even good cooks and strong coffee makers (believe me… these people are crucial!). Artists need gallery owners, art appreciators and collectors. Although what much of what these people do is not often considered ‘creative’, their input is incredibly crucial to the artist’s process and final outcome of any creative project.
Being a muse to your circle of creatives is something you should be proud of, without you they probably would not be able to shine as brightly.
Famous muses: Gala Dali (Salvador Dali’s wife and muse) and Daphne Guinness (muse of international high fashion)
Focus on your creative process
Something you might have to consider is that helping others can sometimes be a form of procrastination. Supporting others constantly can often make you lose sight of your own goals. In the past I used to run quite a few community projects that aimed to support other bands and artists and I would spend every moment of my time helping others, but I found that my own path as an artist suffered as a consequence. I remedied that by focusing more of my energy on my own creative projects, while still helping others within reasonable boundaries.
From passion to creativity
Although you may find it rewarding to be a muse to others, it sounds like you have a burning passion inside yourself to output something creatively. You ask ‘how do I go from being passionate to actually being creative? How do I find my outlet?’. I think you need to ask yourself ‘what am I truly passionate about in particular?’ If you woke up in the morning and could do anything you wanted, what would it be? Maybe you really love baking cupcakes, organising parties or cultivating bonsai. The possibilities are endless and don’t need to be confined to what is generally defined as ‘creative’. You need to identify what particular passions you want to explore creatively and then nourish those skills.
Perhaps you’ve always had an interest in jewelry making, but never had the chance to indulge in the practice. You should enroll in a silversmithing course at a local community college or art school to learn more or go to the library to find some ‘how-to’ books about the craft. Immerse yourself in it and see how far you can go. You don’t really have anything to lose if it doesn’t work out, but if you don’t try… you will never know what you might be missing out on.
You need to take the time out for yourself and explore your own passions. Taking that first creative leap is a challenge, but what have you got to lose? Being creative can be difficult and is not always pleasurable, but it is incredibly rewarding and you will not regret taking the plunge.
Topics: Dear Destroyx |
March 4th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Procastination..is the devil :/ something I am way too good at doing.
Great blog Amelia :D
March 4th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Great advice :) I also have a recommendation to find a creative outlet: Take a walk through an art store, and see what tickles your fancy. When I walk through the Michaels in my town, my head gets filled with tons of ideas for potential projects. For instance, I think cross-stitching would be a cool project to start–a friend of mine makes huge dragon cross-stitches that are absolutely beautiful. Good luck to you!
March 4th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
I went to the golden age of couture exhibit at a gallery where I live, and seeing the clothes there made me want to become more creative textile wise and try to make some clothes.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
I think this is really a good advice..
but could be difficult in some ways for me
i really dont feel creative the last weeks, i just go to work, do what i have to, come home…and … go to bed but cant sleep..
if i think about my creativity a few years ago i feel kind of like i lost a part of my life… That time i loved to draw portraits…but now…i dont have time…
I would so like to be creative again…
but sometimes i have the feeling my whole creativity is sucked up by a black hole…
March 4th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
It’s a wicked divine gift to be a bum’s enabler.
It’s not as glamorous, but you are free of the responsibility, and yet still infinitely *responsible* for the creativity you inspire and support.
March 4th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
Snowy: thats exactly how i feel sometimes..i used to be a more creative person but i feel like that part is hidden cause of where i am at now..i cant be the person who i used to be and still am inside.. i would love to walk around in five inch platform boots and hairfalls everyday but i cant.. i struggle immensely with this issue and am trying to figure it out in therapy..it part of what makes me so unhappy.. its easy to lose focus but like amelia says if you try to figure it out and do what you love you can bring it back out..anyway good luck..
March 5th, 2009 at 1:39 am
I could read everything you write for hours on end, DX. Its good to have you back btw :)
March 5th, 2009 at 4:26 am
Again, great advice. It can be difficult sometimes transferring from just having a love for creative activities, to actually going out there and doing them yourself (especially if you’re not the most persevering or self confident type)
March 5th, 2009 at 5:31 am
Wonderful Advice :)
It’s given me a lot to think about in regards to my own creativity
you have a wonderful outlook on things i’ve come to notice :)
xx
March 5th, 2009 at 6:07 am
Jennie:
thanks for the words
maybe we could talk a little bit if u want
myspace.com/the_snow_white_queen
March 5th, 2009 at 11:06 am
Ash - I am with you! I always love walking through art stores to get inspiration… the materials are so inspiring.
kara- yeah I saw that book for the exhibit… totally amazing!
k0mmissar - I agree most definitely. It takes a special humble kind of person to do it.
Snowy- hey sweetie… don’t worry too much about it. It happens to the best of us. It happens to me all of the time. Sometimes I just want to be creative. What I generally do is make sure I try to keep myself inspired by making my environment as stimulating as possible. I try to hang out with other creative people too.. that’s one of the most inspiring things that you can do.
Jennie- I hope it works out for your Jennie… sometimes not being to let out your creativity is a really hard thing.
Videokid- thanks sweetie! It’s good to be blogging again!
Twisted- yeah that’s definitely the hardest leap. Sometimes you just have to take the chance or you’ll be left wondering ‘what if?’
Blitz - YAY! I hope you can take the advice onboard
March 5th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Once again,I really like your advice.
I’m quite the fan of going to the library and checking out how to books when I find that i’ve taken interest in something new. I recently did this with sushi and resin jewelery. :D
March 5th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
You are amazing, thank you so much for the advice. I’m trying to keep the energy pumping and make the time.
March 6th, 2009 at 2:14 am
cool snowy..i added you as a friend on myspace..love your page…the picture of amelia on it is just beautiful…
March 7th, 2009 at 3:19 am
Hi, Amelia!
MY soul friend!
Yes, do it!
Do it myself if I feel something, you know!
The first impact is too important…..
ROCK is same!!!
I miss you!!! I hope that we can meet ,again soon!
March 7th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Very good advice! :)
This entry reminds me of Ashley Paige, “Bikini or Bust” on TLC.
She seemed to have a similar problem.
Her “heart” was just too big (or something like that) so she was always helping others and doing things for the greater, while her business and home life was suffering.
It was a good show, but I got too busy for that and the series ended. :\
Anyway, just a personal experience, but I always thought I wasn’t an “artist” just because I can’t draw.
The only time I would be able to come up with beautiful, [dress] designs and [literary] project creations is if I’m emotionally incited or agitated.
Then when I set my mind to an aesthetic/creative career, my creativity slowly improved.
So to find that creative outlet, you would just have to put your mind and heart into it.
You can keep your own creative diary and (try to!) illustrate the highlights or lowlights of your day [you know, instead of just writing it].
And if you need even more help, you can (literally) live your passion.
Surround yourself (and your environment) with things that inspire you. Enliven the pragmatism of everyday life and perfunctory habits by arranging to (at least once) explore the intrigue of the road less traveled and the subliminal messages of your daily life that you never really took the time to notice.
It may be hard if you’re pressed for time, but inspiration is everywhere and may hit you or pass you in that one split second of your life, all you need to do is open your eyes, your heart, and your mind. ^^
Take care, loves~
xxTyphoid
March 21st, 2009 at 3:06 am
This is such good advice! I have spent many years ‘looking after’ people around me, and ignoring myself. I gave myself permission to be selfish and try new things, my craft has flourished, and I feel I have become more rounded as a result - even if I sometimes have a million things to do to keep up!