CREATIVITY
There is Always Someone Better Than You — The Creative Truth
Embracing your art with humility and humor
A rush of excitement surged through my young heart as I spotted my artwork proudly displayed on the school wall. It was a moment of triumph — my creation was unmistakably better than all the others. I had achieved the pinnacle of artistic greatness.
Or so I thought until my eyes locked onto another masterpiece — one that effortlessly outshone mine, relegating it to second place.
I stood there, heartbroken and humbled, at the tender age of eight, learning a lesson that would shape my creative journey forever.
“There is always someone better than you.”
The Artistic Gauntlet
That moment ignited a fiery determination within me. It was no longer about impressing my parents, the school, or seeking validation; it was personal. A challenge to surpass that mysterious young artist, the usurper of my greatness.
A child prodigy who had unknowingly laid down the artistic gauntlet.
I embarked on a quest to improve my art skills. I poured my heart and soul into my craft, perfecting every shade, every line. I was driven by an internal force to excel until I was ready to take on the world known as school.
Later that year, I entered the revered “school art competition,” where I surprised everyone, including myself, by taking out first and second place. The judges were unaware they were awarding both prizes to the same kid — me!
Undecided which one was the better, I had somewhat cheekily but perfectly legally entered two pieces.
My status was restored.
Clint Eastwood Crushed My Artistic Dream
High school arrived, and I marched in with my head held high, armed with my ever-expanding portfolio of artwork from the past few years. Confidence brimming, I was convinced I would reign as the artistic maestro of the school.
Little did I know that fate had prepared yet another humbling encounter.
On the very first day, a fellow student unveiled a photo album filled with jaw-dropping pencil drawings of Clint Eastwood. My confidence immediately evaporated like a raindrop on a hot pavement.
I mustered the courage to present my work to the other students, only to witness my art being overshadowed by the ‘magnum force’ of the other student’s work, who was dutifully crowned the better artist.
My artistic status once again crumbled before my eyes.
Art, Music, and Being the School Rock God!
I wasn’t ready to surrender. I refused to be overshadowed by the brilliance of others. I began practicing relentlessly until my skills surpassed even the enigmatic Clint Eastwood artisan.
My efforts didn’t go unnoticed either.
A nurturing art teacher recognized my passion and potential and took me under her wing, introducing me to new creative concepts. My dedication was not in vain, and I slowly but surely earned the title of “the best artist” in the school.
As if the universe had a penchant for repeating its lessons, my aspiring musical journey faced a similar test.
Having taught myself the guitar between masterpieces, I joined a school rock band. We regularly played to dozens of screaming school kids. To this day, I can’t be sure if they were screaming because we were so bad or they thought we were actually famous.
Either way, I was on top of the world. But, it seems fate had other plans. A chance encounter (or not) with an older guitar prodigy humbled me once more.
One evening he attended our rehearsals, unveiled his shiny ‘Fender’ guitar, and started playing. His fingers danced around the fretboard like magic, leaving me in awe and self-doubt. He would be awarded the title of “rock god” of the school, dethroning my already tenuous position.
I vowed to match his musical prowess and dreamed of forming a band together supporting Led Zeppelin.
Although my skills eventually equaled his, our paths diverged. I watched him ascend to higher professional circles while I toiled on the amateur circuit.
Art College Blues— From Criticism and Doubt To Victory
With my growing passion for art and music, I set my sights on art college, where my confidence would face its most significant challenge yet.
Expecting accolades, my first interview turned into a humbling experience as tutors critiqued my work, like Gordon Ramsay dissecting a restaurant menu. Doubt clawed at my soul, and I wondered if I was truly worthy of pursuing a fine arts degree.
However, rather than let it crush me, I drew strength from my earlier lessons and embraced a new level of humility. I immersed myself in the world of art. I studied the work of my peers and the greats, continually pushing my boundaries.
I worked tirelessly to improve, eventually securing a spot in one of the most prestigious art programs.
The Magic of Artistic Diversity
Art college became a sanctuary of creative growth, where I learned the vast spectrum of artistic expression. A new rock band also flourished, and my understanding of creativity evolved beyond mere competition.
I was evolving in new ways.
I learned that creativity wasn’t about being the best. It was about appreciating diverse perspectives and collaborating with others. I discovered the beauty and magic that emerges when diverse talents unite.
The subjective nature of art, writing, and music taught me to value skills even in genres that didn’t resonate with me. I concentrated more on why I was creating art and the process.
Finding The Purpose of Artistic Expression
40+ years later, I no longer fret about comparing my work to others. Instead, I focus on crafting my art with the message I wish to convey.
Creative humility has taught me to appreciate the vastness of creative expression. To understand that success doesn’t always come in the form of accolades, recognition, and competition. I have finally put the gauntlet I picked up as an eight-year-old to rest.
Creativity is my lifeline and sustains me spiritually, mentally, and sometimes financially. As long as I can create, I know I will thrive, and that is the true essence of my creative journey — a story of perseverance, humility, and the relentless pursuit of artistic and personal growth.
The lesson learned — Whatever art form you engage in, always remember why you started to create in the first place, and don’t let your ego walk ahead of you.
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