Art, and the Artist’s Ego
Mon, August 16, 2021 I had an interesting discussion the other day. I stated that without the artist’s ego, there would be no art, and who would create anything if they thought no one would look at it?
There was immediate disagreement and counter argument that the joy is in creating itself. And if the artist creates what others like rather that what he likes then is it really art? I don’t entirely disagree with either of these statements.
I am very much aware of artists who go “commercial,” and create what is popular with the masses. I see that every day in crap TV programs, movies, and music. I appreciate when artists create what they believe in. Without a pioneer spirit nothing new would be created.
However, the original statement was concerned with the artist’s ego, and one has to look closely at the word “Ego.” We are often taught that to have an ego is a bad thing, but I look at the dictionary definition and it means “Self-esteem,” a person’s sense of worth.
On the other hand, there is the word “Egotist,” which means “Self-Centered,” is definitely not a good thing. Initially, artists create for their own gratification, the joy of looking at what they have done.
Does this joy not come from the boost to their self-esteem or ego? Who does not step back and look at their work and say to themselves, “Look at what I have done here, I am a pretty clever fellow?”
There comes a point however, where one must move on from this self-gratification and seek validation from others. This validation may not be immediately forthcoming, and this is where it is important for the artist to continue with what he truly believes in.
This is not always easy for the performing artist, musician, singer/songwriter, actor, or comedian. By nature of their art, they must have an audience, validation from others. And ultimately so must every other artist, be they painter, sculptor, or writer. What would be to point in my writing here if no one read it?
The artist always treads a fine line between pleasing themselves and pleasing others. Sometimes originality is so original that only the artist understands. They can carry on, hoping their audience will eventually “Get it.” Or they can tweak their art, so others do understand and see value in it, without completely “Selling out.”
There are many people who create for no other reason than their own relaxation. They draw or paint or write in private journals with no intention of sharing. No one is obligated to share what they create.
However, does the art have value? And to know that one must have the validation of other people. People will spend money on your art, and they will tell other people. “You must read this book.” Or “Have you heard this song,” that is validation.
And it is the validation of an artist’s work by others, and especially input from his peers that enables an artist to grow, and create even better things.
What are your views?
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Reader Comments (4)
I live with an artist and we both agree with your comments. Very nicely written. She often complains about not getting enough recognition of her work.
I’m not so sure. I am sure there are many different answers to these questions but for me (I have been a life long musician) creating something I like for no other reason than the enjoyment of it can be private or shared. To have others enjoy it’s sharing is a bonus. A creation isn’t necessarily ego driven. It can be created for simple enjoyment of one or more
Erik and Brad,
Here is a link to another article I wrote a few years back: http://davesbikeblog.squarespace.com/blog/2017/10/23/how-do-you-measure-success.html
Dave
It is as complex and nuanced as medicine, law ,or physics at a certain point. And that is what potentially makes art so great and so healing to both the creator and the consumer. On the flip side, it can be just as perverted and destructive as the other three trades, if lack of discipline and awareness allow it to be. Each person's artistic journey has a great power that's part of the package, and as with any power, it's also a great responsibility.