English poet and playwright William Shakespeare, in his play As You Like It, expressed, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players…”. This sentiment suggests that we are all artists, showcasing our art in various ways. Often, stage acting mirrors our lives. While I’m not suggesting that we should abandon art, it’s true that our lives can sometimes feel like performances, which can be uncomfortable.
As artists, we invest significant effort into our preparation, and this dedication is commendable. When our art is presented, it can bring immense joy. We thrive on applause and recognition, and a wave of happiness often washes over us in those moments. Conversely, when our work is criticised or when we feel we have inadequately performed, many of us experience demoralisation.
This illustrates the considerable effort we put into our art. Does our art make our lives feel more significant? This straightforward question can weigh heavily on our minds. Today, many artists support themselves and their families through their craft, giving art a more industrial character. While this can be beneficial, viewing art solely as a business can detract from its essence. Through our art, we should not only celebrate our creations but also honour the Creator who bestowed this talent upon us. When we remove the word “we” from our understanding of art, the questions I raised earlier become less pressing. However, when “we” precedes art in our performances, our lives transform into art, allowing us to cherish fleeting moments of happiness.
Many artists struggle to value their own lives. As I often say, their situation can be summed up as "heroes on the outside but feeling empty inside." While art may provide temporary satisfaction, we must ask ourselves if that is truly enough. Often, personal and family lives are neglected in favour of artistic pursuits. Some artists immerse themselves in their craft twenty-four hours a day. Isn’t that an obsession? This relentless pursuit may lead to fame and praise, but art does not fade with age. What, then, becomes of it? When no one notices our struggles, life can become unhealthy, resulting in a sense
of loss: “Where have I been? What have
I contributed?”
For artists to lead fulfilling lives, we must reflect on the question, “Who am I?” Finding the answer is essential. When we live consciously and understand our purpose, we can shape our artistic presentations more meaningfully. An artist is, first and foremost, a human being. As such, we need personal and family lives. If we neglect our own lives to serve others, who will nurture the artist within us? We must prioritize our existence first. Fame, whether derived from society or family, does not fill the void in our lives; instead, it can lead to a sense of being consumed by others without consideration of our own needs. This can create a counterproductive mindset of “I am right; you are wrong” that permeates our lives.
Let us embrace our art. We should take the time to integrate it into our personal lives. By doing so, our artistic presentations can positively influence others. Otherwise, we risk becoming slaves to fleeting happiness, both for ourselves and our audience, missing out on the profound joy that comes from authenticity and connection.