The Many Lives & Deaths of an Artist
October 13, 2024 by Chip Fleming | Creativity
Choosing the life of an artist is a bold and dangerous decision. It’s a path riddled with uncertainty, where the highs are unmatched, but the lows can feel like the end of the world. Many artists die countless “deaths” in one lifetime—when dreams shatter, when ventures fail, or when their creations fall short of their own impossible expectations. The artist's journey is one of constant reinvention, rising from the ashes over and over again.
Contrast this with those who choose the safer, more defined path. Their lives may feel secure, predictable, and steady. These people may only experience one true death. But while their safety offers protection from pain, it often comes at the cost of never fully experiencing life’s rawness, beauty, and potential.
The artist’s life may seem reckless or chaotic, but it’s a life lived in full color. It’s not about avoiding pain or failure but embracing them as part of the process. Each failure is a rebirth, each crash a lesson, and each creation a piece of something bigger than themselves.
To live as an artist is to make peace with risk and uncertainty. It’s to embrace the beauty of fleeting moments, the thrill of creation, and the possibility of leaving a mark on the world. While it’s not a path for the faint of heart, it’s one that often leads to a deeper, richer experience of life. After all, to truly live, we must be willing to die a few metaphorical deaths along the way.
Creation is a cycle of endings and new beginnings. What artistic “rebirths” have shaped your journey? Shoot me a note—I’d love to hear your thoughts.