Creativity is Overrated

[@numbers9to0]

Non-creative person: "Me creating art is pointless." Does nothing. Creative person: "Me creating art is pointless." Does it anyways. That's the only difference between creative people/artists and other people.

[@leahwilton785]

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[@indubitablyzara]

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[@angelicakemmish8868]

@@indubitablyzara No, that is a lie. Art is a gift. You are born with it. It is a wiring in your brain, perspective has nothing to do with it. So sad the times we live.

[@danie7kovacs]

@@angelicakemmish8868 Oh sure, and only the gifted ones are capable of this. Utter bullshit, my friend. Art is not biology but is about transforming life experiences into something perceptible to others or to you. There's nothing special about art in this sense. The fact that you as a being exist is a necessary and sufficient condition to create.

[@MrZoe91]

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[@sarahjanecottrell3498]

Sarah is straight up healing me from art school trauma

[@UwU-lm9or]

Hey I have a question should I go to art school? I mean it would be good for experience etc but I wanna ask someone this because after watching so many videos on this topic I just wanted to genuinely ask someone instead hope it's fine!

[@mariojorgemcastro]

@@UwU-lm9or I think if you have the opportunity you should at least try it! Usually are very knowledgeable and they give really interesting references!

[@vfugita]

@@UwU-lm9or It is funny. I am close to graduation and the strongest thought I have right now is: we must end all of this art bullshit. Like she said: You are an artist. And I deeply believe that what we are all getting wrong in art, is precisely the "artist" thing. How the Art Institution becomes a market, how we validate certain artists and not others, how we think that Art must be mediated through and artist, a curator, a critic. It is very interesting to study the western arts and their history. But then you get to the point that this whole culture is like 500 years old and specific to the european thought. I don't know, I am feeding a fantasy that we can disassemble a number of modern institutions that make no sense and have exceeded myself in this comment section. I hope you all do well and do things, for things are ours and our things are part of our culture.

[@jakobvanklinken]

@@vfugita very interesting thought-dump, and I definitely can relate with the fatigue of graduating and having to think about marketing yourself. But still it's not really helpful to someone who is considering going to art school

[@jakobvanklinken]

@@UwU-lm9or @Uw U do you have an update for us? Did you apply to art school?

[@owenhughes2911]

Lenka Clayton saying that her kid had "very interesting taste" was a severely underrated pun

[@theartassignment]

So glad you caught that. It was a moment of true brilliance!

[@Lavender_Louis]

Ohh yes! So perfect

[@amandajenkinson2342]

When I was in high school, I specifically remember all if my artist friends, including myself, wanting with all their hearts a set of Copic markers. Those things are expensive, but we would all gawk over instagram artists and their perfectly airbrushed drawings made with these markers, and thought that maybe these were the key to improvement. Later a friend and I actually got a set, and yes, they are great markers, but I realized that while they were great for coloring, I wasn't actually making any improvement. Now, years later, I am most impressed by those who take advantage of their cheaper art supplies and how they make them work. I still see my friend using his markers, and it makes me sad that after all this time, his art has not evolved at all since high school. When you get too set on achieving professionalism, you start to ignore that what really matters is your evolution and progress, or I guess the journey is better than the destination.

[@eac-ox2ly]

Really insightful comment. Couldn't help but laugh out loud at that cursed ass propic tho

[@snehathomas8336]

The last sentence is so enlightening.

[@cowboyem7041]

this is a really good point! i think being inspired by other artists because of the way their art looks and the materials they use is a great way to grow but if that's all you're wanting i dont think you'll grow that much

[@lolaritter7518]

Currently broke and want copic markers

[@jso6790]

"Art is not optional" I love that!

[@dementiasorrow]

the way she said it. It was so emotional! it made me tear up a little.

[@indeeruh]

I've made art for a long time, just for myself. At times, I've felt frustrated with my lack of technical skill, because it has made it difficult to realize the imaginings that live in my mind. At times, this has felt very limiting, but it has also led to the creation of work that is borne, not of methodical planning, but of embodied spontaneity. I have to be open to what comes. There's something really comforting about that.

[@KeeganRobbins]

I saw a wonderful quote by Ira Glass about this exact challenge, which he termed "the taste/talent gap": www.brainpickings.org/2014/01/29/ira-glass-success-daniel-sax/

[@santiagoreuil]

"By working with what you have you discover a way that's even better" this rings so true to me. This video is such a great condensation of good advice for this times. Thanks!

[@ionacmitchell]

5:44 Toyin has such lovely energy, I just started really smiling when she was talking ☺️

[@misscurls101]

As someone who's been sat at my desk staring at a blank doc for several hours, this was the kick in the butt I needed right now

[@markwright9442]

Having no art background or training, I started "arting" 2-years ago, mostly as an escape from my job (ER physician). Now in the middle of the Pandemic on the front line, it's even more relevant and necessary; it's therapy. Your channel has helped keep me sane. Thanks

[@Zazabazaa]

I would say it makes more sense to say "talent is hugely overrated", because if you think about how everyone treats it as "something you are just magically good at and everyone who doesn't have that talent just doesn't have it." This idea of some god given gift is what causes the break where anybody who doesn't find drawing to be their passion think that they just can't. Creativity is simply the creation, it holds meaning because it's nothing but the wish to imagine something. It's powerful and beautiful but then we treat it like an exclusive club for the talented and there it is again, that divide...

[@RoopaDudleyPaintings]

All those who cannot draw say exactly that. LoL.

[@Bunny-ch2ul]

I agree that talent is overrated. I've taught art before. There's a reason a lot of art schools like to break down their students and build them up again. Talent can be a rut. When I taught art, a lot of the people in class who considered themselves "good at art" produced the most absolutely boring work, over and over again. The people who were trying things for the first time frequently got far more interesting results, and were more willing to give in to new processes, and adapt to new things, rather than fighting them. Moreover, thoughtfulness and effort trump talent 90% of the time. Even if you're a novice, if you do a little research on how to use materials correctly, spend time planning your piece, and pour your heart and soul into something, it's probably going to look better than something someone "talented" threw together out of habit. People who are truly good at art are constantly trying new things, and trying to better themselves. That frequently involves being "bad" at something, but still putting in the effort. Even if you don't like something, you can usually apply something you learned to something you do like.

[@RoopaDudleyPaintings]

@@Bunny-ch2ul Those who can DO - Those who Cannot TEACH. Talent is essential. It is like asking a motivated but fat person to win a Triathlon. Even people in great shape cannot do it unless they have athletic genetic disposition. The era for "Anyone Can Be An Artist" has ended.

[@Zazabazaa]

@@Bunny-ch2ul Yea, as someone in an animation degree course, I can see the clear divide between those who want to learn and those who are just there because they think they're good enough. Plus there's the pressure to be talented at the medium just because we've chosen something that society deemed useless. But being creative? That's what our teachers tell us to hold onto. Not to be talented or focus on others, but to simply create for yourself. Of course there is always going to be outside sources to deal with, but what matters IS the creativity. Your own personal creativity, whether it be impossibly unique or not, a masterpiece or a simple doodle, art is created through the desire to express and that's all that matters.

[@nepatvoren]

My teacher in middle school would tell that being good at art is made of 1%of talent and 99% of constantly working. Talent is something that makes you involved, but work that you put in makes you better at it. Talent gives spark and nerve to piece, but working smart and with understanding is what makes it going forward. Don't run away from things that you don't know how to do, do them fearlessly!

[@davidrachlin3557]

As a self-taught digital artist, experimenting with patterns, textures, and brushes on Photoshop. I have promised to make one 11x11inch virtual painting each day. It's been fantastic. I am a writer by training, and this move to the visual world has been exciting and highly motivational. I see myself going in different directions, adding photographs, altering them in different ways and blending them with different layers. Your video was outstanding, as are all of them. I'm very excited about your book.

[@SwordSinensis]

Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard in my life. Art isn't really about "art", it's about you!

[@krishughes-craig2575]

I'm a mom of 5 trying to finish my BFA in sculpture. (I left 30yrs ago to raise my 5 kids alone) This was my first semester back at university....and its a struggle going from classroom setting to converting to online. Thank you for this. I'm less anxious and more focused.

[@bipashamahanta6788]

The other day, this is what I was actually thinking, "I am not an artist and my work will probably not even near art." This is really encouraging, especially at a time when we have abundance of tine at home. Thank you! 🌻

[@AlthenaLuna]

That "draw the air" prompt made me think of two things: 1. It reminded me of a Mad About You episode where Paul was asked by Yoko Ono to make a movie about the wind. 2. I immediately had an idea of how I'd wanna tackle it myself.

[@MusicalRaichu]

It made me think of leaves dancing in the schoolyard. And then of a tornado. And then of the Earth's haze when seen from orbit. So many images before I even started thinking about abstract art possibilities.

[@kellswitch]

I highly encourage you to go forward and tackle that idea!

[@KeeganRobbins]

Yes, that was a really interesting thing to think about! I picture looking up from just below the surface of water, since that's the one time when air is actually separate from what you're surrounded by, and the interface between the two elements looks so beautiful.

[@fawazrob3542]

I am an artist...and you have helped me in more ways than you could possibly imagine. Thank you Sarah Urist Green.

[@DeshkaArt]

I really needed this today, it made me cry in a good way, a way ive been needing to do for a while. I've got a month left of classes, many works to get finished and so much stress about it all. I really miss watching regular videos with Sarah and her loving motherly voice I've been going through all the older art assignment videos in the background whilst I work, just to get through. These past couple of years have been so tough.

[@ch0c0p1nk]

I’m so glad to be this early. So happy for your book release! I hope our local book stores in the Philippines stock them. Congratulations!

[@nicholaseady2173]

I love your purple jumper. Making outfits and wearing shoes around the house has been my isolation “normality”... I’m going crazy

[@sarahmp1016]

“Inspiration is for amateurs; the rest of us just show up and get to work.” -Chuck Close

[@EzeICE]

1:36-1:40 Great minds...

[@Bunny-ch2ul]

As someone who has taught art some, honestly, I found that a *lot* of the most interesting work that got produced in my classes was by people who said that they couldn't do art. People who consider themselves good at art will very frequently fall back on a formula that works well for them, and essentially make variations on the same thing over and over. When people who don't consider themselves artistic make art, they're frequently trying things for the first time, and it shows. The medium may have excited them. They may have used a medium in an unconventional way. They may have tried to use the medium in a broad assortment of ways, which look unusual together. There are two ways to make good art. You can put in lots of practice doing the same thing, building up technical skill, or you can also spend a lot of time experimenting with new things. Technical brilliance, or novelty are generally what make great art. Either path is great. If you already spend a lot of time making art, and you consider yourself more technical, maybe try something strictly creative. If you're someone who likes to try a little of everything, maybe focus on technique more. Challenge yourself. Try something new. Be persistent. Set a goal. Apply a consistent amount of effort throughout the process. (Meaning, don't start off with grand ideas, and half ass the finishing details. Conversely, don't absently start something, and then fuss over six hundred tiny details.) Finish your piece, and you'll probably get decent results. Maybe set yourself a challenge of making something that you're proud enough to gift someone. Maybe challenge yourself to make something you can live with yourself. Maybe make something useful, even if it's just coloring place mats for dinner, that will get destroyed after one use.

[@raymondcrum2283]

I totally love this channel!!!! I am a high school art teacher who has always borrowed/shared some of your video/assignments with my students. Since the beginning of our time quarantined from our physical classroom setting, we have been using this channel and the art assignment prompts to create weekly works of art. I allow my students to pick their own assignments from the 60+ prompts you have on the channel, and then create their own artwork. They share this artwork with me weekly. The reason I feel like I need to comment now, is because of this latest video. You completely articulated the exact thoughts and concerns my students have been expressing to me. The change from direct instruction, with access to the "correct" materials and an allotted time to achieve the goals of an assignment--- to more ambiguous formats of creating (like the ones you are encouraging us to try in this video), was challenging, at first, for my students. As I have supported them through their preconceived ideas and struggles to make it "look right," or "be right", I have seen them embrace these experiences for what they are, and find their "own art" in the process. I am so proud of them and I don't think I could have conveyed (with success) the importance or realness of working this way, without this time of quarantine and change. Thank you for making such great content and for being so mindful of who were are as humans and as artists.

[@kanderson9573]

You sound like an amazing teacher. Kudos for encouraging your kids to find inspiration and self-acceptance so they can truly open themselves to expression. How cool that this segment mirrored the philosophy you are trying to share. As a teacher I know how tough it can be to keep myself energized and this channel helps! Keep fighting the good fight.

[@diegomora_02]

Hi! I loved the video (as always), but there is a lot of sibilance, I would recommend using a De-esser when processing the audio or an EQ cut around 8000 Hz, I think that would make the overall experience more enjoyable

[@swjpainting]

“The greater the artist, the greater the doubt. Perfect confidence is granted to the less talented as a consolation prize." - Robert Hughes

[@RainbowSprnklz]

yknow ive been subscribed to this channel since its creation, and to be honest i only ever did a couple of art assignments, a lot of em felt silly (or even contrived according to my teenage brain if i may be frank), but looking back this channel called to me. i watched every video because art fascinated me, i wondered why any one created anything at all or hell i wondered why anyone did anything at all. this whole project of yours sarah over the course of me continuing with a slight fascination and oddly faithful viewing of each video over many years really has made me feel i can make art, that art is something i can be interested in. and in that time i wondered why anyone did anything at all, i was at a really low part of my life. one day in study hall made a crude sketch of me breaking down in a swarm of papers. i had long forgotten about it but it crossed my mind, i didnt even have to see it, and guess what. i broke down crying empathizing with my past self and yknow what. i get it now. i get it so fucking much.

[@lonesomelis]

This channel is so innovative and a great source to introduce ideas and start debate in classes. Thank you for your great work! I just wish your videos had closed captions, it would help a great deal the deaf community and also people who are learning the language. Again, thank you for your amazing content!

[@YourCreativePush]

Solid gold advice during this time. Thank you!

[@patrickhawbecker9941]

Thank you so much for that. Your words touched upon the constructivist educational philosophy exploring the learner's affect and depth of knowledge. I will undoubtedly consider your book for my future art students.

[@fawazrob3542]

I used to teach 'art appreciation' to Architecture students in Bangladesh for many years. The biggest obstacle was to get them out of their shells and get them to do art. Any art. Most of the time, I would fail miserably to connect them with the grand beauty. Most of them were programmed to memorize and care only for grades. But sometimes, just sometimes after a successful assignment, I would see a shy girl's eyes lit up, as though she has just discovered a secret of life. I knew, like a good drug dealer, that I have hooked her and she will come back for more. There is nothing for her to do but to explore the drug of art all her life. Those were my best days of teaching.

[@MakeSomething]

My book is on a truck being delivered today! Can’t wait!

[@monavanflo]

THANK YOU this is literally what I need right now!! "I don't have any art supplies" is mainly my biggest problem since I left everything in college. This video made me more 'secure' :))

[@TheFlrom]

Im in my last few months of my fine art degree and having to make artwork at home has been incredibly difficult. i never realised that not being surrounded by other artistic minds and friends would have such an impact on my motivation and ability to create work. i ordered your book and cannot wait to have my inspiration relit!

[@bookingforewordtoit]

This video gave me so much hope and comfort! I don’t know when or if I’ll make start acting on the ideas I have for projects, I feel like I have you and this awesome community in my corner. Thank you, Sarah!

[@darthbee18]

This is so validating. While my technical skills has improved (ever so slightly) over the time I felt like ideally speaking my ideas in my artworks never really stood out then, and don't stand out that much nowadays either. That said, *only you* can create your own artworks, and creating artworks helps me not losing myself (yes cliche but that's how it is). So keep creating artworks I will do, going forward~~

[@mistyfoster1920]

I just got mine in the mail!!! Can't wait to read and use this information. :) Thank you!

[@HopskotchBunny]

You are so right, Sarah. We don't have an option. We just have to do it. The process in and of itself is healing. Not making art or expressing creative ideas in some fashion pulls a person into a downward spiral. I cannot wait to get your book and what a great gift idea since I know where everyone is in lockdown at the moment. Thanks for the inspiration and the art assignment!

[@theartassignment]

Thank you, Tamera!

[@359339]

Got kind of emotional when you said "you are part of it" Thank you

[@saaargummm1868]

This video proved to be really helpful to me.I finally feel that urge to create something. Also, I want to express my love for this amazing channel. We only have one art class a week in school , and I was worried I wasn't learning enough.I have learned more here than in school ( I don't hate my school though, the teachers have their own limitations). Thank you so much.

[@WoundedViking]

Facts. I made a career of of Cancer. no skill here. I fought Cancer twice and lost a big piece of my face to amputation. A tumor ate up my jaw and I was labeled an ugly freak. I started over from scratch, and started a KZbin channel to inspire others who feel ugly and not good enough for this superficial world.. my face will not define me. with positive projection you can overcome any mental or physical hurdle. go check me out and subscribe if you want to help me grow. i want to give people a spark of change and join me on my journey!

[@agatalopez]

OMG! I didn't realise how much I've missed you guys!! quarantine in Patagonia, Argentina! besos!

[@mbg706]

Ok I LOVE that online tour graphic and would totally buy it as a poster with just “you are an artist” and the hands.

[@seanwelch71]

I agree with every word. I went through this very gauntlet of major self doubts and now I produce work I feel excited to share. I don’t mind rejection letters. Getting some mail is better than getting no mail.

[@ChV342]

Thank you for your words and offerings. Your presense is so appreciated 🙏

[@houston1293]

The art teacher that instilled confidence into my artistic abilities said “great” art is 70% creativity and 30% talent.

[@natmj7851]

I think they mean to say that inspiration is not necessary to make art. And there are days when one feels less inspired, less creative, less motivated so they’re suggesting to work through off days as well. Which is true, we need to realise when it’s time to push through and when to step back and take a break.

[@bobbonham4823]

Thanks! I'm looking forward to reading your book. And, of course, doing the assignments.

[@theartassignment]

Thanks, Bob! And when you do, don't forget to show us what you make with #youareanartist on instagram or twitter or facebook!

[@HealingCreationsPNW]

THis clicked on a switch for mw and got my emotions rolling. Thank you so much, I will be looking for your book.

[@suzetteanthony5181]

Got my pre-ordered "You Are An Artist" yesterday. I ordered it last year sometime and forgot about it. I love it. Who knew your book was going to be one of the best things for a pandemic. Time to stay home and be an artist.

[@bluechicken4866]

You don't need professional level tools or amazing skills to produce something beautiful and valid. Go ahead! Work with what you have. Thanks for creating this video, I think we really needed this 🖌🖍✏

[@morokot.b5919]

This us such a beautiful piece of video. In our society, majority of the people think that they're not creative or only selective groups of people are creative. This type of belief establish a barrier for preventing many people to let themselves explore a part of humanity. As an artist, I can't deny my fear to start a piece of art but as time go on I try to let the pressure go. Although it might be a challenge for many of us, you'll find yourself enjoying it after you start to craft those art piece of yours.

[@AmberHolven3]

Thanks for the motivation Sarah!

[@ThatWouldBeCareless]

I appreciate this video a lot, and I'm very much looking forward to my copy of the book arriving! Thank you for everything you do to make art less scary.

[@ojiverdeconfleco]

Loving this channel wholeheartedly for years, and even more now. We are ready, we are artists.

[@karenmason1070]

I am loving your videos! I am teaching art from home right now, your videos are giving me a jumping off point for my lessons. Make something, make anything!

[@fugithegreat]

I love this channel so much. You are always so inspiring! Thank you for regularly helping me to overcome my doubts and limitations to keep creating, even when I feel like I can't or shouldn't.

[@manaseekulkarni3433]

Absolutely love this video! It really helped, especially the part about doubt and insecurities being important parts of the process. These can be quite paralysing, even in general. But if I embrace them, they'll propel me forward. Thank you!!

[@dansuduhast1051]

Im (almost) at the end of my 4th year of Academy of arts, as a New Media Artist and I can't feel more blessed that I found this channel! Through my college years I have been afraid to ask questions, be curious, explore with new materials, mediums, and make mistakes...cause it always seemed professors contradicted themselves by saying you can do whatever you wish but then followed by apparently strict rules about how you should execute your idea, so I never had that freedom to experiment and even fail but still get something out of it... And now I'm stuck with what I should do for my final work for our final exhibition, cause I feel like my head is all messed up with all these takes from different professors about what art is and should be and should represent. But watching your videos gives me hope and reassurance that everything is going to be okay and that ultimately you are building your own ideas, beliefs and rules... and they are valid. So thank you Sarah and everyone at the Art Assignment 🤍✨

[@frofoodie7763]

Thanks for creating the video. Your closing statement was inspirational.

[@Francois_L_7933]

Thanks for the pep talk Sarah. I would add that not all art needs to be beautiful. Not all art needs to be perfect.

[@rajlakshmirj9408]

It seems very amazing, I'm going to buy your book and start practicing it!!!

[@lorenabpv]

i may or may not have bought a digital copy because I really wanted to read this and my actual copy might take weeks to arrive (and i am anything but patient). i am only a few pages into it, but the introduction about how important it is to share the art we love made me happy. thank you for using this space for bringing people and thoughts you appreciate into my world, things i wouldn't have come across on my own but have grown to appreciate nonetheless. and i hope i am able to work on some of the assignments soon, especially the ones i can do with other people as well.

[@lorenabpv]

sidenote: this background (or its usual version) is so ingrained in my brain that it took me a moment to realize you had placed some cool TAA stuff around :)

[@hellosaera]

something about this period in time has moved me past the "hmm I guess I could do that" feelings and into the "i really need to do this NOW" ones for the first time in years. the process and the focus for me are everything. i am very much looking forward to this book's appearance in my mailbox.

[@cn9800]

This was comforting. Thank you.

[@cavwhowhathuh]

For 95% of my life (accounting 5% for finger painting and such in elementary) I have only studied math and science and work in the IT field. This show popped up on my KZbin feed and I’ve been slowly watching the backlog of episodes. This show is so fun and interesting to watch. Thank you for making this show! I can’t wait to read the book and see if I have a little creativity in me.

[@shubhisingh66]

gosh this is so wholesome, i want to hug this lady!

[@cjthibeau4843]

Such a great video that I will be sharing with every single one of my students from now on. So excited for the book to come in and what other topics this channel will cover in the future!

[@arthistorian6743]

Really love this video... definitely encouraging for me personally!

[@caraxkins]

i’m breaking out my Christmas present sewing machine and am ALWAYS REMINDING myself that i’m just starting out! practice makes perfect

[@meteachart]

Another amazing video. Thank you!

[@stephenj4638]

You're so well spoken. Thanks for the encouragement! Well said and good ideas.

[@KannikCat]

All well said! It is so easy to fall into the trap of what I call the "Tyranny of Talent", wherein we think that ability and capacity is apportioned at birth and therefore there are those who have "it", and then everyone else... while completely ignoring both the wide breadth of what skill and art is, as well as how much skills can and are developed through practice and just plain ol' just doing it. The art is not in the deliciousness of your drawing (nor even does it need to be a drawing/painting/etc), it is the deliciousness of what you put into it and the expression of you as a person put onto and out into the world. And that is heck scary and most certainly can be a struggle! As it is with any communication... but do the work and see what comes out the other end. :) Reminds me too of a story about Stravinsky, whom upon having a violinist derisively protest that a difficult passage was impossible to play, reportedly replied "I don't want the sound of someone playing this passage; I want the sound of someone _trying_ to play it!" The struggle, and the imperfection, is what made it beautiful. :)

[@theartassignment]

I love that Stravinsky anecdote! We want to see people *trying* to make art. Also very much appreciate your phrase "tyranny of talent," as it's still so strong in our culture. Let us continue to try to embrace the struggle!

[@KannikCat]

@@theartassignment Oui oui! Embrace the struggle, and the dud! :)

[@AmeliaAbroad]

I really love the point about art supplies because once when I was a teen who was really and I mean really struggling with "what is beauty?" I made a piece with nothing but makeup in a fit of rage and it was a "self" portrait of what I felt on the inside and I really wish I kept it but anyway art can be made out of so much stuff so don't ever let money or acceptability hold you back because even expired eye shadow can be a medium.

[@bingo1232]

Thank you Sarah… great book! ART = “the conscious (can’t do it if you’re sleeping or dead) use of skill (dexterity in the execution of physical tasks) and creative (!) imagination (thank you Mother Goose)… especially in the production of aesthetic (both beautiful and pleasing) objects. ❤

[@Arcadian-Nova]

i wanna see how all these copies of your book end up looking after some good loving and great creations! i imagine water and paints stains, pages slightly stuck from glue.

[@theartassignment]

I would love to see beat up, well-loved copies of the book!

[@jonathanowo7584]

Seeing all the artist's opinions, how human and normal their struggles are, really helps me feel like I can do something meaningful. I'll keep on trying to be a good artist. Thank you for not making me feel like waste.

[@jonathanowo7584]

Also, it's very weird seeing John's background on this channel. Thanks to both of you for cheering me up with things to do.

[@lofish72]

I ordered the book! I'm excited!

[@amylindbom7092]

I started a painting a few months ago. A beach scene from a trip with my kids. The day after that trip our car died and we haven't been able to buy another due to lack of money and the lockdown. I've just not felt like finishing the painting it makes me cry just looking at it because I miss the beach and the freedom the car gave me.

[@AmericasComic]

LENKA CLAYTON: (7:11) He put everything in his mouth, he still does, he's four years old. ME, A 34-YEAR-OLD ADULT: *_slowly takes Dixie cup I've been gnawing on for the past half hour out of mouth_*

[@borealiswan2363]

Some soldiers were drawing down in the trenches, waiting for whatever would come down from the skies, with all others around them depressed, afraid. They knew instinctively it'd help them keep their sh....t together. On automatic pilot. At times of trial, art does help to keep your sanity, your witts. Thanks for this great reminder that art is essential, it'll keep us disciplined, learning and awake to the subtleties of life others discard as mundane.

[@theartassignment]

Indeed. Trench art and other art made in adversity is the topic of our next video. Hope to get it done for you all soon.

[@borealiswan2363]

@@theartassignment Great ! that should be very encouraging

[@jodismith2041]

I love you guys. I never knew how to make, learn or love art before watching all these videos to the point that I almost quit my degree

[@BuilderD]

I think another unfortunate self-limitation (especially for a lot of people that more readily identify as artists) is there's also a sense of art *should* influence or impact other people or have a use. I'm definitely guilty of not creating something because it won't look nice, or I can't take a picture of the object and post to my art IG account, or it's just junk I'll have to throw out later. Sometimes it's useful to just take some scraps and pile them together. I just kinda hear a voice of 'there isn't any point to that since it doesn't look pleasing and no-one else would be interested'. But I guess a take-away I'm consciously trying to extract from the book is that doesn't really matter - it's fine and good and valuable to make art simply for yourself without it being some grand sweeping guesture. Even if you don't call it art it's cool to just take some random stuff. Put it together, apply a (title/experience/emotion) to it, then put it aside and never show anyone/deal with it again. I think one painter made paintings they coated with black enamel afterwards so they were the only ones to ever see the painting? I think interestingly contemporary art has a weird connection with this: arguably interpretation of Marcel Duchamp's fountain piece seems a foundation to this book: anything can be "art" and that the word is a bit over-rated (taking liberties with conventional meaning, sorry). A lot of people play around with stuff (e.g. at restaurants I really like making sculptures by arranging weird stacking/arrangements of everything on the table. (I clean up the mess - sorry for the scare M. wait-staff) ) and honestly their connection to what they make is the same as a lot of the artist statements on the walls. But then the "Artist's" pieces get (seemingly at random) elevated to the title of "Art" while your thing is "trash". Yeah there's stuff where the concept or execution is actually extremely clever or novel. Or maybe there's actually a hidden technical skill (Matisse's mid->late work looks childish but is surprisingly hard to imitate). Sometimes though things labelled as "Art" really aren't any better than what "non-Artists" make - they have similar levels of meaning, impact, connection, communication, etc. What the "Artists" make isn't bad - just not significantly different than thousands of "non-Artists" or "artists" make. But museums can't promote the idea that *anyone* can make similar pieces since they need to filter somehow. And I think that's disheartening to a lot of people - they see "Art" get into a museum, but can't tell a difference between the kind of random stuff they might make and what they see and suddenly art becomes and exclusionary activity (even with the explanations). Sometimes more understanding helps, sometimes it doesn't. They don't have the technical skill to match the great masters and their concepts are poo-pooed without understandable reason by the gate-keepers. Even when museum's tackle this it seems insufficient: there's some showings of 'your lived-in-space is art because of the experience of home'. I.e. they try to make the viewer see their own e.g. bed/bedroom as a work of art: an experience of emotion through familiarity. But to get to this art there is still that barrier of 'there' vs 'here' that means the museum is 'Art' and your bedroom isn't. Maybe it'd be fun to have a museum picture frame that shows you (and probably only you) a photo on your phone alongside all the other works in the museum. Or when you get tickets for a museum you can submit a photo and they will try to fit it (I guess after review) into a larger collage on display at the museum and your ticket shows you where your photo-contribution is. Granted it's a hard problem which is why there are so few solutions, I def. don't know any =). (and I do like visiting museums and their exhibits - I regularly would drive 3-4 hours to get to my closest major museum). There also seems to be notable absences of the contemporary experience of art: art/artists (esp. IG ones), comics, memes, gifs, videos that have impacted millions of people and shaped the future/history of the internet (and therefore our experience of culture). Sounds like the legacy Warhol (Not to be too down on museums - I love them enough to regularly drive 3-4 hours to get to my nearest large one and spend all day there and find (or try to find) personal value in every exhibit I see) I think it's really good that this book is going to emphasize that the art *you* make is important and valuable - not because it'll (probably) ever get into a museum or is IG-worthy, but because it's an experience you have with yourself and others. All that matters is you get a chance to play around: you don't even have to like the result much since often the process is what matters. Maybe art should simply be defined as the creative result of play? Congrats!

[@BuilderD]

Turns out composing comments in notepad just means super WoT results

[@huyenle7242]

10x better than all the master class ad together, so good it almost makes me cry actually. For me, it always feel lonely to be interested in art in this materialistic world. You can't help but be offended when you bring a friend to your favorite serene gallery and they said they don't get it and wanted to go to the arcade instead. I know this comment is not directly relevant but it is good to know there are artists out there, successful ones nonetheless, who used to struggle and are still struggling. Make us wonder less about when would be the time for the mental mantra "You can't do it" to be replaced by "You can."

[@lastdays9163]

Thank you for posting! I love this series

[@artemiswoodfin1590]

This video inspired me to make the rug from one of the previous assignments despite not having scissors. I tore through enough clothes with a box cutter to make a 2.5 foot diameter rug. Today I got some scissors and I'm continuing it. Thank you Sarah

[@oceansRising]

Love the cozy vibes

[@edzejandehaan9265]

I am a hobby artist, mainly into drawing. I have never been so productive in my life! And yeah, waiting for that great inspiration can be a real hindrance. Just sit down start drawing something and it's in the making. Art supplies? Who doesn't have some pens, pencils and paper lying around? Have to admit, I do enjoy shopping in art supply stores, so I am better stocked than the average person I guess. Now really enjoying finally trying out some of the stuff I had been "saving" ( btw don't do that, save your supplies for "later"). Thanks btw for your insightful vids, those last ones made me realize that, yeah, I AM an artist, someting I was really hesitant/shy about.

[@GorilieVR]

"Everyone is creative, some are simply creative in explaining why they aren't creative" -PotatoFace

[@gavinyates9189]

Thank you, you are so sincere and helpful, keep up the good work.

[@aysu.erdogdu]

I love you. This video is just on time. Thank you!

[@ganjagriffin4426]

No one should feel bad about making crappy art anyways, because art isn't all about showing off your drawing skills. It can be just be for fun. I think we all have to remind ourselves that there's no competition, unless you decide there is.

[@toukiuka9913]

i love you, you are so gentle and inspiring.

[@cassandramackie4994]

I needed this. I am having issues making art again after a very long hiatus. Doubt is always around, but I think I can make a way.

[@aperon]

I recently started creating scenes with the program "MagicaVoxel". I just love having the constraints of only using simple blocks and still being able to create something extremely close to reality. You guys in the comments should try it too.

[@VaqueiroAruanda]

I have not read this book yet. But I can tell you right now: It's a work of art :)

[@joplaysukulelebadly4542]

I took my five year old son to see some street art and murals and he was really captivated. He loved posing by the artwork and I showed him how to use my phone to take his own photographs. Later, in a coloring book he found an image that reminded him of one of the murals. Together we went through the pages of his coloring books and tore out images that matched the theme he was going for and as a family, worked together to paint and color them all and arranged them into an original scene. We’ve done this a few times now and creating these artworks with him has become a favorite activity for my family to do together in quarantine. Everyone we know has been gifted at least one.

[@JC-pp5qz]

Thanks for this. Ive been uninspired doing some diy crafts and also because i don't have enough stuff in me and im too broke.lol. So yeah i keep postponing doing it and now all i do is stress stuff and go Google some stuff to make while bored. Still npt doing anything now tho. 😬

[@skryfbehoeftes]

It took me a month to get the power to look at this video, but I had to wait and happy I did now get to it. Funny all of this happening now did now get me energy to make again

[@arielabonizio3618]

This is just so incredible. The most helpful video I've seen in such a long time.

[@dominicocampo5402]

"Make art anyway" is such a powerful statement. Thank you, Sarah.

[@italkalot8876]

Hey can I translate this to Chinese I feel like so many artists there needs to see this!! Mindset is much more important than materials or the environment