What Does Art Mean To Me?
A question I could spend hours trying to answer. I have spent the last few years thinking about why I choose to draw. Why I picked art as a high school elective. When I first began drawing, I gained a new perspective on how I could be imaginative. This interest quickly opened up a new world of fun possibilities. It was just another way for me to play around back then. After starting college though, drawing became a passion of mine. I anticipated the next, big step forward in my artistic journey. Going to in person classes was the highlight of my whole experience in community college. Speaking of community, it is one very important aspect of art to me. I think that's why I got so much enjoyment out of my course work. After being rather sheltered as a child, being in an educational art space was what I needed to help me grow more. Existing within society has been how I've stayed inspired for as long as I have. Plus, the weekly exposure to other classmates and their own art styles was pretty great.
Art brings people together in many different ways depending on what you create. Whether it's fanart, political art, or cultural art. Galleries, studios and workshops also serve their appropriate purposes in encouraging more social interactions. If you're able to, get out there and participate in a local art activity! Every project has a story which people can relate to and connect with. Who knows what could be discovered next. Human made work will always have it's appeal. No new tech will ever erase what communities everywhere can build. I'm proud of any artist out there still trying to express themselves today. 2025 has been a whirlwind, to say the least. I will always appreciate people's work that can introduce me to another perspective on life.
Art has a way of expressing personal emotions in a significant way. In modern society, it seems corporate CEOs and "world leaders" are trying to devalue creativity for convenience. Whatever is the fastest, easiest way right? Unbelievable. I feel as if I'm living through literal dystopian times. They don't want artists to take risks anymore, they don't want the truth to be shown. They want AI to become a new essential "tool" for everyone in many professions. I refuse to accept AI slop being in my future. The reason I'm so against AI art specifically is because there is no soul within it. It's just another shallow trend for people to gravitate towards and consume. Instead of using it, I would rather fill an entire sketchbook with poorly drawn hands and feet with a pen. It isn't worth it to use the new fancy thing all the time. Which in this case, has turned out to be harmful. Consumerism is a huge part of the problem. Some people would rather settle with twiddling their thumbs and do everything the easy way. This world needs to value human-made work now more than ever before. I will always admire the craftsmanship creatives put towards their passion projects. The challenges they are willing to take on to achieve their goals. It's the best when I can feel the love someone put into an idea.
This lengthy rant has been long overdue. To tell you the truth, I don't know where I'm going to go next. All I can hope for is that art will remain a part of me forever. I haven't had the motivation to draw much in a while. Everything has been overwhelming and terrifying. Thankfully it isn't all doom and gloom, I'll be alright. I can't pressure myself too much. I need to give myself more grace here. I just gotta take each day one at a time.