American Photographer
1864 - 1946
Photograph of Georgia O'Keeffe |
Pain, suffering and loneliness draw out the artist in each of us. When we are suffering, we have a need to share our hurt with others. Some of the world's greatest works of art and literature have grown out of the pain the artists and writers felt as children. What pain drives your need to express your feelings? Or maybe, like me, you don't know. I had a good childhood with loving parents. There is no moment or experience in my life that caused me to want to write. I just have a need to express myself. I sometimes wonder if one of the reasons I have not written world-famous poetry is I have not suffered enough.
Do you know why you have a need to write stories or poetry? Do you know why you are driven to find those few minutes or hours a day to paint and draw? Why do you need to share part of yourself with the world?
I believe our art is a way of healing the hurt we have felt. Writing, painting, and playing music help us to subconsciously work through the pain we have experienced in our lives. Our art gives us hope.