Don’t Get Eaten by the Shark

Don’t we all have to admit it; that we – at least to some extent – all crave for recognition, one way or another, whether we are professional creatives or pure amateurs? But don’t we all also know that recognition is a double edged sword? On one hand, yes, it’s nice to get recognised for the work we do, for our effort, but the flip side of the coin is when recognition becomes the driving force for our creativity. Then we stand to lose it, the uniqueness of our vision and expression. What one day may lead to recognition is the very same attitude that doesn’t make us crave it. That’s the only way we can create from our heart. Without heart and without ourselves invested in our creative work, it only becomes an act of deceit and thus has no artistic or creative value.

What do we actually take for recognition? Money? Fame? Both – when talking about creativity – are sharks that easily destroy us and the uniqueness that sets us apart as artists. Being true to our inner artist may often result in work that sells or gain recognition – but often not. If money determinates what is good art, neither Paul Gaugain nor Vincent van Gogh were artists worth our attention. But despite lack of recognition, fame and money in their time, they kept doing what they felt they were meant to do. Their creativity flourished and had to be expressed, it wasn’t depending upon recognition. Only by doing what comes from inside of us, without second thoughts to money or fame, may we be true artists, be true to ourselves. It doesn’t matter if we are professionals or amateurs. Still the professional is often caught up in the money-game since after all he or she is making a living out of a creative field. Thus for them it’s even more important to protect their own integrity and their inner artist. Often enough I may have to make my editors happy by doing what they want me to do, but still I try to bring my own vision into the equation. Sometimes it won’t work, but then I can always fall back on my own personal projects that only answer to me. And even if amateurs don’t create for money, they can still fall into the trap of recognition and fame. We all want it – in one way or another, no?

As Julia Cameron writes in her book The Artist’s Way: «I must learn that as an artist my credibility lies with me, God, and my work. In other words, if I have a poem to write, I need to write that poem – whether it will sell or not. I need to create what wants to be created.»

The same goes for photographers. Our vision needs to be expressed, whether it sells as picture or not, whether it will bring us fame or not. The joy is really to feel how our vision – our true creativity – becomes reality, becomes expressed. That is the biggest fulfilment, the ultimate satisfaction. The creative process in itself it what makes it exciting. Let’s not confuse it with money or fame. Let the sharks stay out of our personal pond.