My wife surprised me by picking up our child from kindergarten, and they'll be out with friends the whole afternoon. I hadn't planned for that at all. Does it mean I have time for myself? Should I write the blog post I've been planning for two months? Or create a reel for Instagram? Maybe start working on new photos I took a year ago? Are they still new? I can even afford to just sit and do nothing – they say artists need that sometimes. Or should I finally start learning Spanish? Can I go for a run and learn Spanish at the same time? No, I should probably run and do my taxes.
But above all, I feel that I should focus on art. And I sense that it's all wrong by itself. As an artist, I'd rather be able to say that I need a break from art. It can't be done in the evenings. You can't do everything else and then suddenly say, "Now I'm going to focus on art." It doesn't work that way, and it never will. Art needs to be lived. Why do we need it so much? Why has it lost its meaning for most people, transforming into shallow interior decorations or incomprehensible conceptual puzzles in exhibition halls? Have you ever thought about what attracts us as humans to visual art?
Art has been an integral part of our existence since time immemorial, not just as a mediator of aesthetic pleasure or for religious reasons, but also for its profound ability to communicate and heal. That's why I create. I heal through it. It’s my treatment. I only truly understood it recently. I believe that not only can an artist heal through moments of creation, but also those around them can heal by looking at their work. Art is often perceived as a reflection of the artist's inner world, but it also mirrors that of the viewer. It's not uncommon for someone to stand in front of an artwork and feel a deep sense of understanding. This connection suggests that art serves a purpose beyond just beautifying a living space. It can be a form of therapy. However, it's essential to allow oneself to experience the full range of emotions it can evoke.
My theme revolves around mental health and loneliness. All the characters in my photographs are lonely. If this resonates with you in any way, it likely relates to your own experiences. That's great – this realization alone can be life-changing. Engaging with art, whether creating or appreciating it, takes us on a journey toward personal insight and mental treatment.
Alright, I've answered my own question. I'm going to work on those photos I took a year ago and still haven't processed. Or maybe I should say, "I'm going for treatment." It will be the first major project since NewBorn. Wish me luck – maybe I'll finish it this year.
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