The Joy of Creating

Not long after God created Humans, we began creating things ourselves. I like to think it is just another example of proof we are indeed created in His image. Indeed, the world is proof that creating new things, often only for the purpose of creating something itself, is a core tenant of the Human Experience. Anyone who’s paid attention at the beginning of an old MGM movie will be familiar with the phrase Ars Gratia Artis, proudly displayed around the head of the roaring lion. The Latin phrase, also seen in French as L’art pour L’art, means Art, for Art’s sake. In other words, making something new, for the sake of having done it.

Too often we now think of art strictly as a painting we might see on a wall, an actor on stage at a play, or maybe, by a looser definition, as a song we’ve heard on the radio. I contend that art is the process of any form of creation, regardless of usefulness, novelty, or otherwise. That can be a hearty bowl of Uncle Squig’s Gumbo, a hand-made bookshelf, a Zach Bryan song, or even a new made-up game you might play with your family. These creations need not be made for a commercial purpose, and certainly need not be anything more remarkable than previously stated. But, the process of creation itself is inherently fulfilling.  As the world around us moves faster and faster, and focuses more and more on commercial value, usefulness, and efficiency, sometimes it’s good to slow down and try doing something new. Make a loaf of bread. Draw a picture. Write a poem. Take some time to slow down and be with your own thoughts, and you just might find something new about yourself.