Strange as it goes as feels sometimes like i was writing messages to a future self as i reflect back on words i wrote then but need moreso now,
ergo:
Art makes the future, make for yourself first – if you don’t “feel it” don’t waste your time. Channel a mix of joy and anguish and mix with honesty.
Don’t cheat yourself or any potential audience. Don’t pander and don’t “give em what they want” – this process might get lonely, you will see other “enjoy” the buzz of immediate attention but this is a sugar-rush which likely doesn’t last long. Instead, prepare yourself for the long haul of making creations which will inspire the generation behind you.
There are wee doppelgänger of you growing up, struggling with identity and understanding – maybe in school or maybe in retirement – you seek (unwittingly perhaps) exactly what you are capable of creating.
Visualize them if you desire an audience and then share your work, standing behind your creation with integrity, and let the audience breathe life and meaning into your offerings. Your rewards will come in mysterious ways.
But the reward isn’t the point – self-fulfillment and endless giving of creativity is your compass.
