Why we have to create

Your art is necessary

Hello you,

How have you been this week?

Have you flexed your creative muscle in any way? I really hope so. Because; as Nicholas Wilton is quoted as saying in Your Brain on Art on p.185

“Art-making is, really, about feeling more alive in your life…the creative path is an unfolding process of becoming ourselves and it’s a wonderful journey we get to take.”

My Substack newsletter is called

because she has to

.

I purposefully didn’t spend ages agonising over the title choice because I wanted to just ‘start ’ writing before I felt ready to.

But it still feels rather fitting because I do feel like I have to write. Just like I have to sing, I have to listen to music, I have to read books, I have to have art in my life. If I don’t, I genuinely don’t feel well.

I think you relate to this, don’t you?

Despite this, I’ve been discovering that I have some insidious little inner stories around my writing and creativity. Things like;

• Spending time on your writing is self indulgent

• You’re not a real or profound writer like [PERSON]

• All this time you spend on writing, it’s not ‘useful’

• Making art is frivolous and something to do only when everything else is done

• All your ideas have already been done, and much better

• Sitting on your butt for hours reading and writing isn’t productive work

Even though I absolutely cherish being creative and even though I’ve made great efforts to prioritise and make space for creativity in my life, these stories have been constantly humming away in the background.

The positive thing is, I can notice a shift. The fact that I can call out these thoughts now for what they are - just thoughts - is progress in itself. Doing healing work, including through therapy, has really led to some ‘a ha’ moments.

Plus, I’ve also just had that serendipitous experience of finding the exact book I needed at the perfect moment.

Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross (affiliate link :))

If you’ve read any of my other letters, you’ll notice that PERMISSION is a running theme. To me, this book feels like a giant permission slip, backed up by heaps of science and data.

I write because I have to.

And now I know that I have to, not just because it’s a personality quirk, but because of brain chemistry. Because writing actually regulates our nervous systems. It helps us to stay not just mentally well but physically well too. When we write and create it helps us to build empathy and curiosity. It helps us to flourish. It helps us to heal and grieve. It reminds us that we are part of something bigger than just us.

“Creativity…is a willingness to leave what is known, what exists, and open up to what is possible. Creative thinking allows us to connect with information in new and meaningful ways and, as such, it’s the birthplace of innovation and invention, making it one of humankind’s most valuable skills.” -Your Brain on Art by Magsamen & Ross

The flames of my inner guilt have been doused by all this science and all the powerful case studies covered in this book.

Maybe now I can see creative acts a bit like I do physical exercise. It’s something nourishing and energising for my mind and body. I don’t think I’ve ever felt guilty for going for a run. I don’t think I’ve ever believed it’s a waste of time for me to do a workout.

Now I’m learning that we need creativity and the arts just like we need to move our bodies, stay hydrated and eat nourishing food.

Clearly I knew this because I feel the difference myself, but this book has helped me to understand why.

And it also explains why I love hanging around Substack so much. It’s a place where we convene; the people who have to create.

There is an energy around here that compounds and grows in the best way. I love that people are role modelling creativity in so many wonderful ways.

I love to see people carving out time to make new things. I love the collaboration, the community, the processing, the playfulness. I love to see people honing and honing a craft to utter excellence. And I love to see people trying something new and not being ‘good’ at it. (Apparently skill level is irrelevant when it comes to the copious benefits of doing arty things.)

I love connecting with the beautiful, provoking and entertaining things you all write and make.

We need it all. It’s important, it’s valuable, it’s healing. And, it’s fun.

And all our art is drowning out my guilt stories. So, thank you.

What art have you consumed today?

How can you be unapologetically creative this week?

We are all creative, all of us. Yes, that very much includes you!

Janelle x