No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main…” ~John Donne
Did you watch the Oscars? Or the Grammys?
If you did, you know that winners of those statuettes often get up on stage and thank everyone from parents, siblings, children, and spouses, to directors, producers, writers until they are dragged off stage still uttering thanks.
The equivalent of this for books is the Acknowledgements page, naming everyone from long-suffering hubby and family to agents, editors, research assistants, and critique groups.
Even though sometimes, as with the Oscars, all this gratitude can feel routinized and often meaningless, it nevertheless points to the fact that while creativity is often done in solitude…
It is not done without community.
Yes, creativity often feels isolating and alone. Community seems far away when we are in the throes of creation, whether we are writing a novel, composing a symphony, or developing a new program for our clients. Solitude is usually a welcome—and necessary—companion when we are deep in the process. But eventually, we have to come out of that solitude in order to have our work fulfill its function—to communicate our vision of the world to others.
Creativity is a communal act. One that involves:
- The community of spirits. Yes, spirits. Of your creative ancestors on whose work your own understanding, knowledge and skills are built. And of the Muse and Her cohorts who sing and talk and dance with you throughout the process.
- The community of peers. Those friends and colleagues with whom you’ve learned your craft at workshops and conferences, in classrooms, or over glasses of wine or cups of tea. Those creative friends who have cheered on your efforts, provided honest but tender feedback, and have challenged you to be your best.
- The community of producers. Not just those with the official title but also all the people involved in helping you move your creative idea into physical form—performers, cameramen, orchestra, editors, printers, gallery owners, etc. Anyone who helps you move your creative work to your consumer or audience.
- The community of consumers, AKA audience. Although you may find yourself in a love/hate relationship with this community because of their lack of loyalty or discernment at one moment, and their gloriously uplifting and rewarding support in the next, we need this community. They keep us from creating in a vacuum. You need them just as they need you.
As a creative, how do you interact with honesty, integrity, and responsibility in a way that honors each community but also honors your own needs and truth? Sometimes, in trying to honor the needs of producers and peers, you can forget to serve your audience fully. Or, in trying to serve the interests and desires of your audience, you can forget to stay true to your own artistic visions.
Sometimes choices need to be made as you and your work grows and develops. Remember that communities are living entities, made up of living beings. They are not frozen in time, just as you and your work aren’t–or shouldn’t be. Your communities will evolve and change, at their best, as a reflection or your own growth. So for the health of your communities and you, it’s important to stay in dialogue regularly with them, not just when awards come your way or that book is published.
Nourish them, as they nourish you.
Because no creative is an island…
And aren’t we grateful for that…