This week is more of a workshop on something I reckon you all might be able to shed some light on. Since May 31st, 2017, I’ve been creating work with real intent. I remember the moment that set me on this path—something I’ve spoken about before—and the story surrounding it has shaped much of my practice. One concept I’m still grappling with (and I think many of us do) is whether I’m leading or being led with my ideas, figuratively speaking. It's the balance between ego and creativity. From what I've studied, ego is based on our past limitations, while creativity opens us up to limitless future possibilities.
I believe in the idea of creating your own reality; it's almost scientific. Through focused intention, we have the power to shape our future. I’m not talking about wishfully thinking I’ll become a millionaire artist next week whose work sells as soon as it’s displayed. I’m talking about the reality that focus shapes our lives. There are thousands of examples of people achieving the “impossible” through unparalleled focus. Take Tiger Woods as an example. Was he talented? Absolutely. But what truly set him apart was his extraordinary focus and work ethic. He’d hit 200 four-foot putts in a row before calling it a day, on top of his gym and range sessions, everyday. If you’ve ever tried to hit even 10 putts in a row, you’d know that takes hours.
Pulling back from the golf tangent—Tiger is a brilliant example of how focus creates reality, and how your actions (or inactions) shape your future. He had immense self-awareness, self-assurance, and self-motivation. Did he have an ego? Sure, but he wasn’t led by it; he controlled it, and that’s why he broke so many records that still stand today.
So, how does this relate to my art journey? I’ve always thought I was creating from that unique, authentic place where true art comes from. I’ve made some work I’m proud of, but looking back, I see that a lot of it wasn’t really for me. I made it for you—the viewer. I created work that I liked but thought you would like too. That’s valid in some ways, but when it comes to creating, the work has to come first. When it comes from within, it will naturally resonate with others. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have new music, paintings, poetry, or photography that moves us. Music is a perfect example because of its massive, lasting impact on people. It has an ability to bring a smile, tear to the eye of someone who hears something the first time.
This brings me back to ego versus creativity. I never really thought of my work as ego-driven. But looking back, I think it was. I was creating with the intention of it being liked, of someone wanting to buy it and put it on their wall. People didn’t dislike the work, but they also didn’t love it, which I think would have driven me to make more of it. Instead, I’m now creating almost daily, and the work feels completely different from anything I’ve made over the past seven years.
So, how do I know this new work isn’t also coming from ego? Truthfully, I don’t, but it does feel different. Each piece feels distinct and unique, and I wasn't even aware of a common thread until a friend pointed one out. Why do I think I’m leading this process now and not being dragged? Because I’m not focused on how it does. I’m not already planning print sizes or imagining if someone would hang it on their wall. These ideas are coming to me naturally, whether I’m driving, in the shower, or working on commercial shoots. I haven’t forced them like I did with previous projects like "Aussie Kulture."
So, to bring it back to the main question, and for my fellow creatives—Is this what it feels like to create something genuinely, just for yourself? I’d love to hear about your creative processes and what sparks ideas for you. I’ll keep the project details under wraps for now, but I’ll be sharing more of the work in the coming weeks as I finish each piece. Stick around—I’m excited to keep exploring and sharing this journey with you all
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