Chapter 1: The Artist's Dilemma

In the realm of creativity, there exists a looming sentiment—one that many artists grapple with but often hesitate to voice. It's an uncomfortable realization that the perception of one's identity might be a mere façade. This struggle surfaces when confronted with the unsettling thought that perhaps, the self-image we've cultivated is not as profound as we believed. As this awareness grows, it becomes increasingly hard to ignore.

I find myself feeling special—an admission that makes me cringe. My colleague recently mentioned that I might have a power complex, suggesting I should engage more with the outside world rather than getting lost in my grand ideas. This comment struck a nerve. The allure of those grand concepts is undeniable; they awaken feelings within me that nothing else can. The prospect of seeking approval from others feels trivial and draining.

By nature, I thrive in solitude, often losing myself in music or writing for hours. Since childhood, my creative explorations have been solitary—playing with Legos alone in my room, where the presence of others often felt intrusive. However, I’ve taken my colleague’s words to heart and have been mulling over them since. There’s a lesson to be learned, yet I find myself wrestling with these thoughts.

Perhaps she has a point.

It’s undeniably comfortable to retreat into my space, crafting stories or poetry that remain unseen by the world. It allows me to pretend that I’ve shared my truth, when in reality, I keep my raw experiences confined within the walls of my creativity. The work feels complete, and I convince myself that I’ve done my part.

What comes next on this artistic journey?

It’s easy to remain within the cocoon of creativity, telling others, “It’s still a work in progress.” While I agree that creativity cannot be rushed, it also shouldn't be stretched to the point of becoming shallow. At some stage, the call for closure becomes unavoidable.

The creative process is enchanting. Artists venture into realms that others only glimpse through cinematic portrayals, a mere shadow of the real magic. In this space, we become stars, captivating those around us, while they remain tethered to mundane routines. Unlike them, we are travelers through time and space, yearning for freedom from the constraints of a capitalist world that stifles our souls.

Ah, when will this confinement cease? The mission is clear—expressing the grief and frustration that accompany this existence.

Yet, I find myself perpetually entrenched in the creative process, searching for balance.

Fear holds me back from taking steps to share my art—whether it’s submitting poetry to a local publication, sharing my work on social media, or even performing live. Each excuse I conjure reinforces my reluctance to step outside my comfort zone.

A voice within urges me to harmonize my internal explorations with external interactions, reminding me that I cannot stay inward forever. I deceive myself into believing that posting poetry on platforms like Medium, where I remain anonymous, suffices as engagement. But deep down, I know this is inadequate.

The justifications I provide to others often mask my fear of exposure—of being scrutinized, misunderstood, or ridiculed. The greatest fear, however, is confronting the possibility that the vibrant world I’ve cultivated may not be as flawless as I envision.

No! Dismiss your judgments; you cannot fathom my reality. It is genuine—the most authentic experience I have. The realms I traverse evoke emotions that mundane interactions fail to replicate. While others engage in trivial banter, I yearn for deeper connections.

As emotions intertwine, I find myself paralyzed at a crossroads, facing the mountain that represents my aspirations. I’ve distanced myself from those who cannot comprehend my journey, willingly stepping into the void, just as I did in my childhood sanctuary. Alone, I can explore without judgment or interruption.

I am a fearless seeker of the night, scanning the infinite skies.

Yet, I remain trapped by the illusion of risk. My flight feels perpetual, devoid of genuine fear or friction, leading to a stagnation in creation.

This is the stark reality I have overlooked.

Greetings, fellow traveler! I’m Elliott, bringing insights from the depths of our shared experience. Here in the realm of creativity, we delve into the unseen aspects of humanity and explore where we are headed, urging self-reflection and growth. Thank you for joining me on this journey!

Chapter 2: The Challenge of Risk

The first video, Why Don't Artists Take Risks Anymore? delves into the hesitation many creatives face in stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing vulnerability.

The second video, Between The Lines: RISK, further explores the concept of risk in the creative process, encouraging artists to confront their fears and embrace uncertainty.