SELF DISCOVERY THROUGH CREATIVE EXPRESSION
The self is essentially a collection of relationships between the body and the endless array of stimuli encountered every moment of every day. The preferences we form in relation to those stimuli (whether consciously or unconsciously) define the ways we interact with the world, while the ways we interact with the world defines who we are to both ourselves and those around us.
This process creates an interesting result; that we are each more than one person. We are simultaneously the person we know ourselves to be, as well as the person others know us to be. Different people will each see us from their own unique perspectives, which even further multiplies the number of selves we potentially have; but which one is the most genuine one? Who are we really?
This is one of the most important things we can discover through art.
When we are struck by something we consider meaningful (intuitively or intentionally), and take the time to express that meaning creatively, we are making it a priority. The meaning we prioritize in our art is a direct reflection of what is important to us, as well as an expression of how and why it affects us. It is through this lens which we may begin to understand and recognize our 'true selves'.
Truly we are all quite multifaceted. Our 'true selves' include the entire range of emotions and the corresponding behaviors we exhibit under their respective influences. While our moods and emotional states are perpetually changing, there is certainly consistency to our expressions in each respective state, as well as a tendency to gravitate towards particular states. These trends become apparent in our works and may allow us to reflect on our lives with an ever growing clarity.
The clarity afforded to us through reflection on our creative expressions over time is a great vehicle for self-refinement. Our growing body of work allows us to see, in each piece, aspects of ourselves which we may have been blinded to while under the influence of our emotional muses.
At this point, should we have the strength to honestly accept what we see of ourselves, both our best and our worst, we may acquire a new ability to understand our own depths; to discover the truth of our own motivations. This form of self-knowledge is invaluable, as it may allow us to put to rest whatever ghosts may haunt us, and move perpetually on to ever newer stages in our lives.
