“Look at every path closely and deliberately, then ask ourselves this crucial question:
Does this path have a heart? If it does, then the path is good. If it doesn’t, it is of no use.”
– Carlos Castaneda

What first attracted you to your art form? Was it the way words weaved into a poem or story or how the movement of the body captured a mood through dance? Was it the means in which an actor conveyed such real life emotion or was it the strokes of paint onto a canvas that shaped a landscape? Even more importantly, was there a strong sense of purpose that gave birth to an irresistible desire to master the art? Was the initial intent obvious or did it evolve through time and become something far more meaningful then originated?

For many individuals who have selected a career in the arts, it wasn’t just the joy in the doing of it, but it was through a found purpose that fed the artist. Perhaps some gravitated towards creativity to offset discontent from an unfulfilling job. Others tried to make a difference by utilizing their art to deliver a crucial message to the world. Many “creatives” found that it self-soothed during moments of loss, depression or anxiety. For others the sole purpose was an attempt to solidify one’s mortality by externalizing a part
of themselves in their art.

Whichever the purpose might have been, it is what propels the artist to continue to create. Art without purpose is the simple task in which the only goal is to provide a final product through the act of completion. There are no set standards to define one’s purpose and is in fact relative to the individual. What is essential is that the incentive makes creating worthwhile.

Although obtaining the skills, knowledge and experience in your medium is an important part of mastering what you do, how do you sustain purpose or meaning for the long run?

What is draining your purpose?
If your creativity brings about a sense of dullness and feels unproductive, carefully access your life and your environment to determine what might be draining creative energy. Situations such as a monotonous job that is no longer challenging and provides no advancement, or a partner who belittles your creative passion and offers very little support, can bleed out meaning and purpose. Creating meaning offers continued sustenance in the artist’s life. A deficiency of it can often lead to conditions such as creative block and existential crises. As creativity gives birth to the artist, their art gives birth to meaning. Are your surroundings providing fertile ground where your purpose can flourish and thrive, or are there areas that need some attending to?

It’s not all about the money
Have you lost touch of the deeper meaning, while focusing on making money? Although financial abundance is important to support an ongoing career in the arts, it may not be enough to sustain purpose and meaning. Getting paid to do what you love may have been rewarding at first, however, the deeper meaning can easily go astray in the midst of a flourishing business. You may discover renewed inspiration by donating your skills. Consider seeking out a project for a non-profit agency or offer your talents for a cause that you feel passionate about. Not only can it revitalize a sense of purpose, it is also in the service of others.

Continue to evolve
I don’t believe we ever reach the finish line and suddenly arrive at our full creative potential. Instead, we are in constant transformation, growing and expanding. When we expose ourselves to new things, either a new form of art, visiting a different country or learning about a whole
new subject matter, we stretch beyond the boundaries of what is familiar. When we venture out of our comfort zone, we nourish the creative soul with new ideas and perspectives. Providing us the opportunity to redefine ourselves as artists, we shed what is no longer meaningful and try on what is new and stimulating. As a result, the creative self continues to emerge and progress in ways that are unexpected and within such moments, artistic alchemy can occur.

Take time to remember your original intent
After investing years in mastering your art, it is natural over time to lose sight of the original intent. It is crucial to reflect back on those moments when you felt completely in sync with purpose and creativity. It’s those moments when you whispered to yourself, “This is what it’s all about, this is exactly where I belong.” When the artist pulls together all elements of skill, intuition, purpose and creativity he or she feels a oneness and an energized focus. If you haven’t had this in awhile, try to recall what cultivated these experiences. Taking a moment to ask yourself the following questions can help you remember what was meaningful.

What most excited and energized me about this work?
What was it about this medium I found fulfilling?
How did I “know for certain” this was what I was meant to do?
What aspects of it most resonated with who I am?
What were my visions of the future doing this work?

Getting back in touch with your initial purpose and re-establishing meaning helps to revive inspiration and motivation throughout your artistic life. This offers endurance during the challenging and often discouraging moments that naturally occur in one’s artistic career. Sustaining meaning is the sustenance of creativity.

©2008 Lisa A. Riley. All Rights Reserved. This article may not be reproduced or used on other websites without permission.