Contradictions. Gotta love them, right?
Like how the most delicious things are often the worst for you (I’m looking at you, chili-cheese fries), or even how your greatest strength is often your greatest weakness, often two seemingly dissimilar ideas are two sides of the same coin. — The problem is we’re just too blind to see it.
And perhaps the greatest contradiction is one I live every day: the blessing and curse of being an artist.
The Blessing
Let’s start with the good news. Artists, you lucky bastards, get to create! You breathe life into new ideas, slap them onto a canvas, or bleed them onto a page. You turn the intangible into something tangible, bringing new energy into the world.
And it gets better. Through your art, you connect with people you never met and impact lives in ways you can’t even imagine.
It’s like tossing pebbles into a pond and watching the ripples spread outward: What you create makes waves in the world.
And that’s pretty damn cool, right?
Being an artist is a blessing we should all be grateful for — it’s our way to etch our name into the side of history.
The Curse
But here’s the rub (there’s always a rub.): The flip side of the creation coin is the relentless pressure to create more.
You’re never quite satisfied, always chasing this nebulous concept of “good enough” that seems to perpetually dangle just out of reach, like a carrot on a stick in a cartoon.
This insatiable need to create can be a curse. It can lead to self-doubt, frustration, and the feeling that your best work is always just around the corner. The problem is you never quite reach the corner.
You become obsessed with the next piece, the next project, and never truly bask in the satisfaction of what you’ve already accomplished.
For example, you’d think I was avoiding talking to a used car salesperson the way I think about reading my old writing. I’m never satisfied with what I’ve done, and all of my wins are short-lived at best.
Poetic Justice
But here’s the twist (there’s always a twist): maybe this constant dissatisfaction is a good thing.
It’s the shoes on your feet that propel you forward.
Without this pressure, would you create anything at all? I don’t know if I would.
I’d become a Netflix-binging, pajama-wearing blob, slowly sinking into my couch. (No judgment, by the way — that’s my Tuesday night!)
That my friend, is why this paradox is so f*ckin beautiful: It stokes the fire that keeps you alive.
So, the next time you’re feeling pressure threatening to drown your ambitions, remember this truth: the struggle is part of being an artist.
Just embrace it… it’s what pushes you to grow, experiment, and connect with the world, making the rewards that much richer.
What do you think? Please like, comment, share and let me know your thoughts.
As a writer married to an artist/musician, I’d say you are right on.
Thank you!
lol duality at its finest
Indeed!
Spot on
Yes!
A friend of mine once asked a well-known poet what his favorite poem was. He said it was the next one he was going to write….
hahah that’s so true
It sounds wonderful and frightful, both. I’m not an artist. I just write whatever comes to mind each day. It seems to do me good.
I think you may be an artist 😉
There’s always a rub for sure and definitely always a twist : )
Sounds like a dance doesn’t it
the other curse is that your art gets no respect unless it makes lots of money –
That’s also true at times
So very true: also makes me a bit sad.
Ahh sorry to hear that – it can feel overwhelming that’s Forsure – I’m trying to frame it as an adventure
Nailed it bud, as ever 👌
Thank you sir!
And here Tony goes … yet again … putting the very words out there and articulating the very dilemma those of us writhing in insecurity and indecision need to hear. Oh yes. The ripples from this piece bumped right into me .. as the exact time I needed to hear them. Clever scribe, you are.
So happy they did and so happy you enjoyed – keep writing!
Hey Tony! I’m new here.. as an artist/writer, I really connected with your blog. I’ll stick around for more inspo 🫶🏾 check out my blog site for some cool reads!
Ha thank you so much! SO happy you enjoyed – and I will
Damn right. Additionally, the blessing of your inner worlds being so delicious but then the curse of having to deal with, you know, reality 🙃 Wouldn’t trade it, nevertheless.
Me either!
Perfect!
Thank you!
My son has shown talent in art. I worry though if there will be much demand for his talents though with all that AI can accomplish now. Still I hope he’ll find where he fits in.
I never thought about it that way. Interesting!
Happy you enjoyed! Thank you for reading
Just discovered your blog and must say, it’s an instant follow. Very much resonate with this post on both blessings and the curse!
well written.
I’ve been feeling like I’m writing nonsense for a while now. I’ve lost confidence in my writing skills so much that I’m not proud to show them as mine and it wasn’t this way before. I usually have story ideas and plot twists easily but my head has suddenly gone blank. I’ve been really sad 😭😭
Sometimes you gotta write your way through it – you’re probably underestimating how much people will like it – some of my best received work has been stuff I didn’t think would do well – just publish – you got this!
Thank you very much
I’ll hold onto these words.
You got this !
I love that line: it stokes the fire that keeps you alive. So true 🥰
Artist minds are the most twisted and you will never know so many things it would have
Hahah very true
👌👌👌
Thank you so much for stopping by my page, I do agree Artist make life more interesting, as we capure life by following our uniqueness, we create just by following our pure emotions, Art is Life !
Too true
Indeex
All 👏 of 👏 this 👏
Thank you so much!
lovely
Thank you!
Yes I agree, as a content creator there’s is a constant pressure to create more and more. I think it’s about controlling that pressure and realising if you don’t create something it’s okay, be kind to yourself. 💕
I think you’re right! thanks for reading!
Egads. So true. 🙂
thanks so much for reading!
Well said! There’s nothing more to add 🙂
“It’s the shoes on your feet that propel you forward.” Well said.