Why Exploring is Necessary For Every Artist

Have you ever tried creating something, but soon after, finding yourself in a pickle because you realize it's almost exactly the movie you saw last week? Trust me, I've been there. Back to Square one. This is when I go for a walk and find so many different places I want to try and see people of all sorts that I'd love to meet. This is when I realize something. No one has had the experiences I've had with the detail being exactly the same. This is your key to creating something original - creating from personal experience. 

Anyone who has ever created anything - ever - knows that inspiration does not just merely come from the deep folds and corners of your mind and imagination. I'm talking about entrepreneurs, inventors, painters, authors ANYTHING that involves creation - which in all honesty is pretty much what you go through every day. This could be as simple as an option for a decision you have to make. In order to express and create for the life we lead and the impact we want to have on others we need to actually LIVE life. You know this, of course you do, but have you thought further about what it truly means?  

Depending on where you're at in your life, whether you're living it going to school and stocking up on extra-curricular activities to pass the time, doing homework, going to work, trying to spend as much time as you can with friends and family with the little space your schedule permits -whatever your life may consist of, I want you to tell me this: When was the last time you did something new? Tried something new? Have you recently ventured beyond the norm to educate yourself on a new subject or taken the time to craft something? How about visiting that country in Europe you feel you have a connection with? Or volunteered abroad or in a disaster ridden state? What experience can you currently build on to create something that society needs that also speaks to your soul and purpose AND that could support you financially?

​If you're living day by day by the same standards, the same routine, and the same comfort zone you've been in for longer than you'd care to admit - it's time to start quoting the lyrics of the supreme legend, Michael Jackson and say "I'm goin' to make a change, for once in my life. It's gonna feel real good, gonna make a difference, gonna make it right," and  you bet you'll be starting with that gorgeous morsel of magic staring back at you in the mirror. And where are you taking you? On the journey called life that has so many wild, crazy, terrifying, and beautiful adventures in store for you. 

This is why every artist (and really every person) needs to explore the world and themselves in order to create undeniable masterpieces (called life) - because really, how many stories can you tell from different points of view if you're surrounded by the same things all the time? You create from what you know, and can you imagine if you put yourself into the world with an open mind, perspective, and canvas to create on? You witness and can be a part of so many memories of strangers and situations. Even if you go to a new coffee shop and try a new and quite possibly insane and far too detailed beverage, react accordingly to your tastes - you could create a situation like this in a new book. How about if you visit a museum in Rome or in London and discover an ancient form of architecture or group of people that connects so deeply with you that you decide to further research it and publish an essay? Or maybe you go out, meet someone new at at a random bar you spontaneously decide to visit on a Tuesday night and you meet the love of your life or your best friend? Personal experience is something you don't have to and can't make up - and that so many people will relate to. 

Even if you don't think so, the art you create from your life needs to be shared for someone else to help find themselves or be inspired to create and live the life they've always dreamed of, but didn't know what it was until they saw what you created. So please, go out there every single day and try something new, learn something, explore yourself and go enjoy this giant crazy world - because boy there is a lot to take in, in a short amount of time, and far too many stories to tell! Go make something cool - that masterpiece you call life. 

XOXO


Mary Gabrielle Strause

​