If an artist makes art in the forest and nobody is around to see it - what's the point?

"Stop working for the gold stars"
"Stop making art to win awards"

Normally the ideas get buzzing with this podcast for me - but this one really set off those thoughts.

I've felt the shift in myself since the first time I tried this artist thang.
Initially I was buzzing for every single like and comment (back circa 2015/16 whenever I started posting).
That is by no means to say I am not happy when I get them now, I am still left smiling - but I think what means more are the conversations I'm having in my DM's with other artists that lead to coffee's and calls across the pond and inspiring pushes to completion. It has been wonderful.
It feels more about building something that I am both a part of and is bigger than me?
I don't know, maybe that reads as egotistical? But what I mean is that art has in the last year become a means of expression again as well as a service and I like that balance.

I make update videos mostly - for self accountability! (press record - it's like being observed ha)
I make them into longer videos - because I like seeing my progress! (it reminds me I can do it!)
I edit short videos - because I like doing it and it keeps that muscle moving. 

I write on this blog, fully knowing hardly anyone is coming here - because I feel like it's good for
-my brain; so it's less full
-my accountability; I pre-write the blog posts for when I've finished what I'm working on
-an account; I think we learn so, so much from reflecting and looking at what we've done and learnt

And most importantly
I paint because I have something to say that I ain't got the words for.
It's feelings and images and thoughts and dreams and weird stuff that comes out much better as a painting than it would if I tried to say it.

So,​

If an artist makes art in the forest and nobody is around to see it - what's the point?

I think we make our own point.
Especially these days - we carry a camera and video recorder and the internet and something way more powerful than the yellow pages in our pocket.
I'm not assuming Van Gogh would have been on Instagram if he had the choice - that'd be up to him.
The confidence to share art is something motivated by various factors for different people - validation, connection, feedback, accountability, social comment, motivation, inspiration, ego, expression, self actualisation,

I think of all the greats whose tree's fell and no one was around to hear. (Bear with me on the metaphor here). Artists who were discovered and celebrated post-mortem. And I wonder how many don't share now and are completely content with that.

Gimme a list of artists who were 'discovered' after they died

It feels sometimes like social media is inundated with artists - especially when you run an art account and your for you page is a different artist every 0.5 seconds.
It feels overwhelming.
It can feel oppressive if you let it.
If you give your brain the chance to take it and warp it - it's great fodder for the cynical argument 

What's the point of making anything - someone already is.

​bonus thought- (and they're better).

So I think the better questions to ask are:

Would you make art, even if no one was watching?
Even if you didn't get paid?
Even if no one liked it but you?

And I think if the answer to any of those is no - that is completely valid.

​If it just so happens you can get paid for what you love doing - go for it.
You post it or you don't - either is fine.
If you happen to enjoy receiving positive feedback and knowing someone has seen your work - excellent.
​Social media has helped to connect us with people who like what we like too - makes us feel less alone. 
Posting can have its positives and negatives - set your expectations and work from there.

​Because someone is always making similar art.
Someone is always 'better'.
Please don't let it stop you.
​
You have to decide why you want to make it.
If you want to share it.
Tree's be falling everywhere babeh - you might as well.

Let's go to instagram and see these things you speak of.