According to Seth Godin in this inspiring On Being interview with Krista Tippett, we are all called to be artists – to create in a way that matters to others. Krista Tippett is the extraordinary interviewer for the NPR radio show/podcast, On Being – “a spacious conversation about the big questions at the center of human life.” Tippett creates an intimate space for these conversations and brings out the very best in her guests.
Seth Godin is a thought leader, business creator, book author and blogger. But, as he says in this interview, what he really does is notice things. He sees what is and asks why. He sees possibilities. His most recent book, The Icarus Deception(paid link) came out on December 31st and I wrote about it here.
These are two people I admire greatly and to have the two of them together in this wide-ranging interview was quite magical. I highly recommended that you listen to the whole thing. Here, I’ll share excerpts from the interview about what it is to be an artist and how we are all called to create from our deepest selves.
Art is not following a manual, reading a dummy’s book, looking for a map. It’s working with a compass, having an understanding of true north, and being willing to solve a problem in an interesting way. ~ Seth Godin
Art is noticing and making connections. It’s valuing our inner voice and being willing to share it.
In other words, to be an artist we first need to understand ourselves and what we value. Then, we need to figure out something to offer and put it out there. By doing so, we’ll find others for whom these same things matter. Today, it is easier (and cheaper) than ever to create our art (or product or service) and put it out into the world. We can take risks and even fail, yet get up and try again.
The challenge of our future is to connect and amplify positive tribes that want to make things better for all of us. ~ Seth Godin
Once we connect, the rewards (not always financial) are great. According to Godin, the mass market is dead. We might not get rich putting our creations out there, but we’ll be much happier.
It’s living life as an infinite game.
Listen to the interview here and then tell me – what’s your art?
Talking about putting your art out there, that image of yours takes my breath away Kim. Shades of Monet and the other impressionists, alive with colour and light.
I know Seth has been a big inspiration to you, and your online voice is one that I trust, so it’s helpful to have you share the wisdom you find in his words.
Creativity can make life an amazing and vibrant adventure — and everyone has something to offer. I agree too that connections matter (a great deal), but if you find yourself on a less trodden path these can take time to build. Then it becomes about finding away to stay true to yourself and holding onto your self-belief.
Thank you, Indigo! Yes, connections can take time to build but the ones that stick are well worth it. Thanks for your connection.
Kim, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your weekly letter. You have exposed me to so many new writers. I am enjoying the Year with Rilke, even though I am not comfortable posting on Facebook. It has been amazing–and another example of something I may not have found on my own. Thanks for all you share!
Thank you so much. That means a lot!