Finding the right conditions to grow: why creative work needs light, not permission
on checkboxes, creative intuition, conditional growth, and what it means to be seen
We need the right conditions to grow. If something is not working, perhaps it’s time to plant a seed elsewhere.
Every voice and every word we infuse with meaning is powerful. Each is helping us to grow, and, if we’re doing it right, each will help us to connect to others seeking to grow.
But can we be ambitious in the kindest sense of the word and still remain true to ourselves?
Maybe. And if so, I think this is how: We have to create what we feel called to create and share it with those who appreciate it. Then carry on doing so forever.
Trust the creative call no matter how unmarketable. Trust your voice. Take your time.
I personally find solace in reading the nuanced stories of artists, such as Olga de Amaral, whose work transcends but also took lifetime to be seen. A textile artist who received more recognition in her 90s than he she did at any other point in her life is a quintessential example of devotion. But also, she was simply a woman who didn’t stop and didn’t expect.
She just did what she loved.
Of course, we can also look at Kafka, who was never recognized during his lifetime the way he desired, but, nonetheless, he practiced with radical discipline because he did what he loved and loved what he did.
Think about all those who are underrecognized or recognized narrowly for appearance or relational connections during their lifetimes, those who were true change agents, ushering new perspectives into a world that so desperately needed them.
This doesn’t just happen in art, after all. In academia and corporations, this occurs often. Those in power surround themselves with “doers” and “creatives,” those who do the work anonymously under the name of the person with higher position or wider recognition.
“I wanted to be seen, but I didn't want to be watched.” —Ashley C Ford
After reading more deeply into histories of the mis- and underrecognized, I’ve been meditating more on why I want my own art to be seen and recognized, and who I want to share it with.
For many years (and even now, sometimes) I was embarrassed about asking for attribution or support, no matter how hard I worked.
But the truth is, in far too many cases, the messages that we feel are important are gifts, and to share the work is truly to share.
To wait for recognition or attribution is a waste of time. We can only control ourselves and who we share with.
To the extent that we position ourselves in the best possible places to feel comfortable enough to be and do what we want without fear or censorship, we are going to find resonance in our work.
We don’t want to be forgotten; we also don’t want to be misremembered. But others’ memories are, ultimately, out of our control. As a result of not wanting to be seen this way, we might also shy away from sharing candidly and sharing enough to find the people we need to find.
I am telling you and me both: Claim your words, and write the tough stuff; work your ass off, but don’t try to grow in unfavorable conditions.
No one notices what we do not claim. This is also a leadership lesson, and it’s one that has been tough for me. I didn’t want to be like those who overclaimed.
But there has to be more balance. More people deserve to shine, and I believe we are headed for a future in which more of us will: writers of all genders, identities, races, and ethnicities. I suppose this is a kind of burgeoning faith that seems counter to the trends of the world, but I believe that recognizing the value of each human voice is the rebellion we need.
What’s inside you ready to grow, and how can you find the right amount of light? Where are conditions most favorable?
“I write this not for a many, but for you; each of us is enough of an audience for each other.” —Epicurus
Let’s all contribute to a more brilliant tapestry of ideas than what has been distilled and packaged for us. Let’s trust the divine chaos of our nature and reach upward without needing permission.
: There are the purely selfish parts. Writing is like a compulsion for those it calls. It is impossible to stop, in the best way. It is a drug of sorts. To capture the essence of something through careful language. The communal extension of that is finding the right language to express something universal that makes other people feel less alone. That is the big win.
: I think one of the things humans do when they make art is witness. It’s not ‘content’ or ‘entertainment’ (soley) but this deeper thing of witnessing — seeing the other and in do so expanding compassion. Another thing we do is reach beyond ourselves (which is is related to witnessing and attention). AI is constructing a story based on inputs in, outputs out — it doesn’t have the element of transcendence. This for me, keeps me persisting in crafting writing and life by hand, heart and human mind.: Writing to me is like breathing: it is essential, at least for me. I don’t know why this is so except my mother was also a writer too, so perhaps it was ingrained early or simply is part of my DNA. A pleasant mystery.
: I’ve recently returned to writing after decades away, and the first thing I asked, perhaps a bit cheekily, was to AI itself: “If you can write everything, is there even a need for me to start again?” The answer it gave me was simple but powerful:
“I can write many things, but I can’t bring your emotions, your reflections, your lived experience.”
That was it. I had my answer. So here I am, writing again, and feeling more alive with each word. Thank you for this space and for asking the question. It matters.
Tracie Ball: I’ve been on a writing journey (travel memoire). The process of writing about my experiences has been deeply healing and nourishing for me.
Many times along the way people have shared their work with me… memoire and non-fiction assisted by AI and I can tell. It lacks the soul of experience. The language is flowery and superfluous.
I may not be writing the next best seller but I am authentic to my experience and embracing expression and that matters to me. Completing the writing has been rewarding because I put so much time and dedication into the pages. I wouldn’t know that satisfaction if it was written for me.
A wonderfully told examination of this theme--creativity and why we do what we do. Thank you!
Wowsa - Powerful, beautiful and inspiring words. Thank you