“The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.” — Albert Camus, Writer
It’s how you fight.
Think of Sisyphus (who was punished by the gods above for his cunning and intelligence). If you were bound to a life of pushing a boulder up a hill only to have it roll back down, and that that same action is to be repeated ad nauseum, how shall you respond? With anger? With submission or despair? Such reactions won’t get you anywhere. Life can seem awfully pointless and futile, even absurd at times, and if we’re absolutely honest with ourselves, we know that we really have no idea as to why we’re here or even if there’s any meaning to our lives at all. Modern life in particular seems to mirror the horror of Sisyphus’ plight; we stress, rush, and toil away while suffering such emotions as envy, anger, bitterness, loss and pain, repeating that cycle until we die. Meanwhile, postive feelings such of joy, love and understanding seem scarce and fleeting. None of it makes much sense.
But, perhaps there’s another way to look at things, another way to deal with the apparent irrationality of it all. Maybe you can build strength in pushing that boulder, even come to enjoy the building of skill, control and discipline necessary to perfom such a task. Perhaps you’re strong enough now to stop in middle of that hill and make a little carving or drawing on it? (i.e. create something beautiful along the way) Maybe you get to the hill’s apex and, at that moment of suspended gravity, take the time to enjoy the glorious 360 degree view of nature? And what if, when the boulder begins to recede you choose to roll it down like a happy child would making a game of it? Perspective matters. There are innumberable ways to live out nearly any scenario. Your attention, action and attitude are yours to choose. What else could you do? Here are some ideas:
“Art is the exclusion of the unnecessary.” — Karl Andre, Sculptor
Get rid of things that don’t matter.
That’s the first thing I’d do. Art and life are about making choices. And when you’ve figured out what’s most important, you almost won’t have to. Why? Because any other option would be unacceptable. Personally, I make art almost everyday and I’m gonna keep making art till the end of my days and nothing is gonna stop me from doing so. I believe anyone else can do the same if they wish. So free yourself to do the work you must do for, as Gandhi once said, “action expresses priorities.” This is even true of relationships. Forget those who disrespect you or make you their option. Find out who are saviours and who are sabateurs. Furthermore, try to live a simpler life. Be watchful of diversions, of which are there many. Do away with things, both material or immaterial (such as status), that serve as no more than burdens. You’ll be surprised by how little you actually need to be happy.
“Nature never rushes, yet everything is accomplished.”— Lao Tzu, Philosopher
Don’t rush.
You won’t get there any faster. Where are you going anyways? Aiming for efficiency is stupid. You’ll just be more tired, frustrated and lost. The more you hurry, the more mistake prone you’ll become. Being anxious and going full speed all the time is a bad combination. Who cares what your bosses or superiors say (it’s all just regurgitated noise from an over-commoditized market driven economy). Lose the conditioned response of trying to be always productive. As long as you do good work, it’ll all work out for the better. Besides, the judgement of others don’t matter. Think of your health — what diseases could be brewing in your cells under such relentless pressure or strain? At the end of the day, it’s about doing the right things the right way. You’re the only one who has to live with what you’ve done and how you live.
“An artist should never do what people expect of him.” — Picasso, Artist.
Surprise us.
Don’t always do what the world wants. It’s truly the most dangerous thing. Even if you have to do a job you don’t like to survive, find ways to sneak in the personal. Explore the unusual. It’s ok to be strange (it took me a long time to be able to accept or understand this). Besides, strange things can be, and often sometimes are, the most very beautiful. So look outside of the box of your normal routines, look to different influences. Be wary of the internet and its algorithms that promote sameness. If things look too familiar, comfortable or convenient that’s a sign to you that you should watchout.
“If the artist cannot find the way, then the way cannot be found.” — Terence McKenna, Ethnobotanist/Writer
Know you have a duty to uphold.
You have a destiny. Again, it’s your choice to live up to it or not. We’ve all been given a talent, a freebee so to speak, something you’re naturally attracted to doing and something you know you’re pretty good at it even to start with. It doesn’t mean you don’t have to put in the work. Quite the contrary; you’re gonna have to work harder than every other “normal” person who’s not a creative. But don’t be afraid. Know that there are others like you, look to them for guidance both the living and the dead (whose timeless art keeps them alive). You’re not alone. In fact, you’re never alone. These are your comrads in arms. They’re paving or have paved the way. Don’t let them down. There isn’t a day that I don’t look to my inspirations, they are my creative and philosophical soulmates.
A final word
In this big fight to be free (and moral, creative, just and human) it doesn’t mean we aren’t allowed to fail. To struggle, to fall, to err is to be human. It’s ok, too, to be sad, angry, tired, anxious and depressed. At times it’s both necessary and appropriate. But we don’t fight the fights that we can win, we fight the ones worth fighting. Like Camus said so eloquently, you must rebelliously act and move on regardless. Non-conformity is the very essence of courage. We artists are self-selected. We’re both innovative and resourceful. Hence, we’re naturally equipped to deal with the absurd. And we’re stubborn. Yes, stubborn. We can always forcibly supply the necessary existential sense and meaning when there looks to be none.
