How Artists Thrive in the Face of Change and Their Role in a Changing Society
Post-election our society society seems to be undergoing some significant changes. We know that changes in the natural world are cyclical and expected. Despite the fact that we have become increasingly distant and separated from Nature, our roots have much in common. Our bodies react to lunar shifts, respond to temperatures, become revitalized with a quiet stroll through its meadows. As does our spirit.
Artists tend to be sensitive rods to external oscillations and variabilities, intuitively sensing shifts in culture, politics or human consciousness. This sensitivity and sensibility allows them to act both as interpreters and visionaries, providing a glimpse of future possibilities, challenges or crises. Their work becomes a kind of radar, charting a path through uncertainty and giving voice to the complexities of the human conditions in times of flux. Being interpreters of society cannot but affect artists’ psyche, spirit and soul. This is a revolving door: changes are foreseen, they pass through us, artists, are digested and sent out back into society in the form of a creative output that reflects those changes.
In order to survive these waves and tsunamis, artists must be resilient. Change is constant and while we do not control the external factors, we do control how we respond to them. And the first step towards resilience is Acceptance. Instead of fighting the current, we must learn how to navigate it and use it as fuel for innovation.
Another way to stay resilient is to stay connected to our Core Artistic Values. What drives us to create in the first place? What is our Why? By anchoring ourselves to and in our intrinsic motivations and values, we can navigate the winds of change without losing sight of what truly matters to us.
Some societal changes may shrink our vital emotional or economic space. In this case our ability to Reinvent Ourselves is of paramount importance. We must set aside a season for experimentation, creating in a new medium or tackle a new subject. The act of reinvention can spark fresh creativity and give us a sense of agency when external factors seem beyond our control.
When changes are of an economic nature (and what change does not affect it, in one way or another?), resilience calls us to Diversity our Artistic Practice and Income Streams. Whether it’s teaching workshops, selling prints, collaborating with other creatives, etc., having multiple sources of revenue can buffer the impact of these economic oscillations. At the same time, diversifying our artistic practice can be equally important. Exploring new forms of expression, whether that means moving from traditional painting to digital art or even branching into design or fashion will better equip us to thrive in a fast-changing world.
We cannot underestimate the the importance of Cultivating a Support Network. During tough times, having a network to turn to can provide us with perspective, encouragement and even practical help. Collaborations can spark new ideas. Sometimes a fresh perspective or a kind word can make all the difference.
In conclusion, artists must flow with change, not against it. In a world of economic fluctuations, technological advancements, and shifting societal trends, resilience is more than just a survival tactic. It is a powerful tool that allows us adapt, grow and thrive as artists. With each change we become more flexible, more resourceful and more capable of turning challenges into opportunities. In this way, we not only navigate the world’s turbulence – we help shape it with our art. In sharing our work with society we go through another revolving door: we heal and help heal. We clarify our feelings and thoughts and project them outward in our work, which, in turn, will help society gain a new perspective, feel our common humanity, trigger a positive shift in closing gaps of separation and isolation.
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