what do artists get out of creating art

[Golden_Rhino]

They get the smug satisfaction of knowing that they did something that you can't.

[Blarg]

[ QUOTE ]
They get the smug satisfaction of knowing that they did something that you can't.

[/ QUOTE ]

You don't have to be an artist to do that though. Most people can't even change the oil in their car, and most guys probably don't even know how to sew on a button. I've managed to do both, but there was little glory in it.

[daveT]

I think that there is something to the Bipolar argument. I am not bi-polar, but I go through huge arcs of emotions. My life, and especially my artistic motivation, is hugely effected by my moods. If I am feeling depressed, I cannot do anything but think on a base level.

Creation is a form of happiness. An addiction. A lifeblood. To create ideas is what makes the world move. The tension of not creating spawns the desire to create.

An artist gains stability. It is not a drive to be noticed, or to make money. To not create is succumbing to something you are not. An acceptance of futility and depression. A way to fight these moods is to focus on something you are passionate on. A depressed mood can sometimes be lifted by feeling the pencil, brush, or knife, in your hand.

I do not believe that a casual observer cannot truly comprehend the passion and work that goes into art the same way I cannot accept the complexity and full function of a corn-stalk. Yes, I can look at it's beauty, and appreciate the food, but a scientist can appreciate the work and function of the corn. A scientist can appreciate it's full growth. He is more likely to see it grow from seed to death. I only eat the corn. Although I appreciate it's taste, I am not able to appreciate it's very existence.

[Dominic]

I create because to not create would mean death.

[rothko]

[ QUOTE ]
I procreate because to not procreate would mean death.

[/ QUOTE ]

[jackflashdrive]

[ QUOTE ]
I FYP because to not FYP would mean death.

[/ QUOTE ]
FYP

[daveT]

"Why can't a non-artist appreciate the work of art?"

If they could, this thread would not exist.

[BPA234]

[ QUOTE ]
suppose someone has a great story or a great painting inside of them. getting it out could take years of torment, failure and misery.

if the effort worth it?

what the artist gains:

1. financial gain (sometimes)
2. respect from peers, fame (sometimes)
3. self satisfaction with his creation/achievement

I'm concerned with #3. Do we have any artists on record saying whether all their pain was worth it? Are artists victims who were cursed with a capacity for greatness and realizing this felt a responsibility to sacrifice their blood and sweet?

If a director watches his film 500 times to make sure its perfect, aren't we the viewer who sits down relaxingly to watch it getting more out of it than he does?

[/ QUOTE ]

I think this is a great OP. Your concern with just #3 says a lot about you. With regard to 1 & 2, they can potentially prove unhealthy, fleeting and, in a lottery business, terminally absent. If asked, I think most artists, regardless of medium, would say that the work should be the reason that the artist pursues their craft. Good to dismiss 1 & 2 early and not risk being distracted off your path.

As far as #3, I think you have to confine the answer to generalities. I think most people who create something, tend to look upon their creations with critical eyes that see more of what is wrong, than what is right. Overall, I think this tends to leave the artist dissatisfied with their work and ultimately even their life.

As far as the act of creation, that, I think, is another story. In my opinion, during the act of creation, an artist pursuing their passion with total focus, concentration and devotion transcends their individual humanity. They are able to reach a place (sometimes painfully) where the rest of us can not travel and, through their work, “bring back” a physical representation of their experience. A tangible “proof” that can then be experienced and painlessly enjoyed by the those who are capable.

[T-God]

I only MSPaint for fame and satisfaction. I don't do it for the money at all.

[absoludicrous]

I'm an artist, and a freelance graphic designer. I do work for financial gains, but mostly personal satisfaction, and because I'm creative. There really isn't a definite reason, other than simply enjoying to create things that stem from your ideas.

Not to mention, creating things that you personally think are cool, is cool. You're showing off your talents, and creativity.

It's like a mathematician solving problems for fun...