In a 1963 speech, President John F Kennedy made a powerful statement regarding the importance of artistic freedom.
“If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him. […]”
It’s natural to think of oppressive regimes when we consider freedoms being suppressed. However, just as “society must set the artist free” to follow their vision, the artist also needs to liberate themselves. They need to break free from the barriers that stop them from producing their best work. Principally, this means overcoming the fear of criticism, which stops millions of people from creating and sharing their art.
As Andy Warhol famously said: “Don’t think about making art. Just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they’re deciding, make even more art.”
That’s worth considering, the next time you think you’re suffering from a creative block.
Photo credit: ARTwear.ch