It was an amazing feeling when I understood the true power of art. Not only does art soothe the creator, but it inspires others to get rid of their pain, to realize that they are not alone and to know that at the very roots we are all the same. In fact, art is the most human and beautiful thing ever created. Art made me strong. Art taught me to stop being afraid, face my fears and follow my heart. It inspired me to embrace ambition. And most importantly, it taught me to let go of my sadness, loneliness and predicament without ever feeling weak. Oh what a powerful feeling it is to be that strong!Art could come in a number of forms—stories, poetry, painting, music, movie, fashion, photography or programming. In simple words, art is anything creative, and I will always have a soft spot for anyone that creates art. For they sell their souls into what they do. They create, based on what they believe. Otherwise there are scores of people who live pre-set lives and spend their lives performing roles designated by someone.
Imagine the motion of a puppet; when a thread binding it moves, it sets the puppet in motion. In the same way, we are puppets in the hands of a life, that's predestined for most of us or so we believe. As time passes, it sets us in motion, too. Ageing, growing up, building a career, planning for the future, letting go of the past and embracing the present are all parts and parcels of life. What remain are our feelings, thoughts and memories. An artist, within the stage of this life, plays with the freedom, creates in an abstract space, and touches these feelings, thoughts and memories. To be able to do this, isn't it Godly?
I came across this somewhere in the Internet: 'Earth without art would be 'eh'.' True. Life is tasteless without art. Einstein once said that imagination is more powerful than knowledge. I agree with him, and I believe that we will reach the apex of civilization the day science meets art.
Human emotion is the most powerful force on earth. Everything that we do is driven by our emotions. They are even capable of manipulating the course of our lives. This is where artists step in. Artists are people who make us understand our emotions and that of others, and help us alter them; they help us understand. They might look like normal people, but they have the ability to control thoughts and feelings of millions of people.
When Elvis Presley, Beatles or Nirvana sang, millions of people followed them. To these fans, everything they did was 'holy.' Why? Because the creativity of these artists touched them. It made them realize that they are not alone, that someone somewhere on this earth are going through similar feelings. And it is only normal to feel.
So, to everyone who doesn't, please try. Try writing or painting or singing or composing. At least try reading or watching movies – not just any film, but some authentic and quality piece of art. And not just one, engage in multiple things. Allow the power of art to alter the way you think, feel and react. The effect is more powerful than you would ever have realized.
Sameeksha is a graduate of Civil Engineering from the Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus.
Related story
‘Art Evolves: Nepali Modern Art’: Review
