How creativity enhances the authentic self

Art and creativity is a different language, a different way to express ourselves beyond words. Before humans established spoken language there was creative expression. It’s always been part of our innate nature, the need to express in a visual language. 

As Edward Hopper said  “If you could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint”

For me, the process of painting is guided by tapping into deep inner intuition. This creative experience is often described by artists’ as something flowing through them, rather than using the logical mind, it’s a process of tapping into a feeling. Making decisions about how to compose an artwork, where to put colour, how you want it to feel means you have to listen to what you want. Listening to what you really want is a process of getting closer to the real you. We all dilute our authentic self to please others and fit in, so having a space where you make decisions for you and really tap into your feelings helps you connect to your true self.

To make powerful art that moves people it has to connect with someone else’s soul, the artwork has to speak to them on a deeper level. Often people can’t even describe why they like a piece of art but they know immediately when it moves them to a feeling. And they know immediately when they dislike an artwork, which is just as valid. What you don’t want as an artist to receive a passive response, that is void of a reaction or emotion. To be able to make art that has an emotive power you must as the artist know yourself, why you create and what you’re trying to say or express. 

Personally, the power and beauty of nature and the feminine move me to create art that has an uplifting and joyful effect. The reason why this style of creating motivates me runs deep. I want to create more joy, empathy and compassion in the world. A few years back, when I started to get serious about my art, I asked myself, why do I create and what do I want to say? This is a fundamental question for all artists. I had to spend a few months with the question, and really dig deep into what motivates me, so I could focus on the feeling and find a consistent motivation and theme for my art. This was the breakthrough I needed to start creating art that touched people’s souls, finding my why. 

“There’s room for everybody on the planet to be creative and conscious if you are your own person. If you’re trying to be like somebody else, then there isn’t.” —Tori Amos

Long before I came to the conclusion of why I create, there were decades of collecting inspiring imagery from other artists, drawing, sketching, and experimenting with ideas. It’s a lifelong pursuit, being an artist which never concludes. There’s always more to explore, play, and develop which is truly a gift that keeps life interesting. But it’s a constant self-examination process, what do I like and why. The same is true for critiquing your own creations, reflecting on which parts you like about your creation and how you could develop next time something closer to your truth and the experience or emotion you’re looking to relay through your art.

Through the process of research, important discoveries are made about the self. Why do I like this colour? What does this mean? Oh, this makes me feel uncomfortable. All these reactions call us to delve deeper into ourselves with curiosity. Conversations with our own tastes, and preferences, are necessary to find our niche, our specific interests that inform our ultimate ‘style’ of artwork. 

In order to keep the artist's inspiration flowing we must pursue gallery visits, make time to watch inspirational films, read, travel, experience activities with friends, and lead a rich life. In order to create something fresh, interesting, and new, we must have experienced a rich tapestry of life and be able to play with visual language on an intellectual level as well as understand the aesthetics. Art without this experience falls flat, it has nothing to say, it’s missing a spark. 

Art is an avenue which gives you permission to explore the absurd, the dark sides of life, and the unsaid. You can explore the uncomfortable aspects of humanity and culture through the outlet of art. The expression of creating has long been used to process difficult emotions through art therapy and is now used in prisons, and hospitals to comfort people. It’s recognised that art-making has a powerful impact on mental health, enabling people to express complex emotions where words fall short. 

Time spent alone contemplating big questions is part of the process of art-making. Solitude with no distractions, only creative practice deepens our relationship and connection to ourselves. Making art is scary. One of the main reasons is the lack of distraction, confronting your true self, and interpreting this into a feeling, it’s a very intimate and exposing process. Saying that, once you get comfortable with peeling back the layers to expose the truth of who you are and what you’re trying to say it’s immensely rewarding to create something so personal and meaningful. 

The irony is the more personal your art is, the more you will connect to people who can empathise with your human experience. 

“What is most personal is most universal.” Carl R. Rogers.

Stepping into yourself to create your most meaningful work promotes self-acceptance. Treating your own emotions and interests with the curiosity it deserves is a much healthier way to handle emotions, rather than the harmful judgement we often put on our emotions. 

Take a step beyond the process of art making, once the artwork is finished, the next activity is to share your art. Whether that’s an exhibition, art fair, or online, this is essential to get feedback, develop, and hopefully eventually sell your art. Exposure to this act of sharing, again, encourages you to vocalise your story, who you are, and why you make art. Putting this into words needs introspective thought about you and your work which are inextricably linked.

Creating art has given me permission to express myself in all manner of ways, and get a deeper connection to my authentic self. The process of art-making has provoked many questions for me, I doubt I would have stumbled upon in everyday life. The act of making art is a brave one, you start knowing nothing but are led by a feeling, an urge to create. It takes many years to get ‘good’ at what you’re trying to express and you have to learn to accept failure along the way. But as artists, we keep doing it anyway. Why? For me, it’s all about authenticity, telling the truth, and shining a light on something that others can’t see to move them to think differently. Igniting people’s imagination and putting a smile on their faces by sharing my art will never get old, and it’s a magical experience when you can connect to another person through art.

As an artist, I create oil paintings, and ink drawings that are inspired by nature. For  a more personal experience, I also create bespoke commissions where we work together towards a brief, inspired by your direction.

Visit www.ruthegon.com to find out more.

Ruth Egon leads an online art membership, The Art Hub Community! We are an inspirational, nurturing and fun art community.

We gather creative souls who are curious about developing their interest in art, through live workshops, forums and inspiring content.

Together we build confidence, express joy and create art that’s authentic to us.

At Art Hub we create art in live group workshops, engage in lively and informative chat forums, share inspiration and grow skills through group challenges. We offer a welcoming, supportive and fun membership, so that we can become an authentic, confident, vibrant, purposeful and connected group of artists.

You don't need any experience to join us, all you need is an interest in art and a willingness to give it a go. Designed to be fun, and engaging and to build your creative confidence, these are the perfect sessions to get you started.

Sign up here: https://ruthegon.com/pages/art-hub-community