I’ve been looking at doing that just for a creative outlet. I have no passion for copywriting etc. This sentiment resonates profoundly with me, for in the hush of the mornings, pen in hand, I often muse about what it means to create and to express without the chains of expectation or utility.
To seek creativity for its own sake is an endeavor that transcends the mere act of writing or painting; it becomes a wandering through the labyrinth of one’s inner world, a pursuit of understanding that defies the commercial imperatives so prevalent in modern society. In the words of Nishida Kitaro, an obscure philosopher of Japanese origin, the true essence of creativity lies not in the product but in the process—a constant interplay between the self and the cosmos. Kitaro’s philosophy centers around the concept of ‘pure experience,’ an immersion so profound that the boundary between the observer and the observed dissolves. For more on creative processes, you can find an enlightening perspective [here](https://www.creativitypost.com/article/nishida_kitaro_on_art_and_creative_experience).
The Reddit article ponders the idea of utilizing creativity as an outlet devoid of commercial interest. With a robust community reflecting on the liberation found in creating for the self, it subtly challenges the notion that creativity must always serve a utilitarian purpose. The discussion brings forth the intrinsic value of art as an expression of individuality and freedom.
In reflection, this brings to mind the works of Marcin Ryczek, a Polish photographer whose minimalist approach transforms the mundane into the extraordinary. Ryczek’s work, much like Kitaro’s philosophy, blurs the line between reality and perception, inviting the viewer into a space where time and existential relevance are fluid. Observing his photograph ‘A Man Feeding Swans in the Snow,’ one finds themselves enraptured by the simplicity that belies profound observation. The snow, the birds, the solitary figure—all elements that oscillate between what is seen and what is felt, drawing us into a ‘pure experience’ of our own.
Kitaro and Ryczek, each in their respective realms, beckon us to evaluate the meaning and purpose behind our creative endeavors. As creators, we find ourselves pondering the driving force behind our work: Is it a quest for recognition, or is it the soul’s journey towards introspection and connection with the universe? For me, the answer reveals itself in moments of solitude, pen against paper, where I become both participant and spectator in the unfolding narrative of life.
I remember a poignant summer afternoon by the lake, scribbling thoughts in my notebook, when a stranger approached to inquire about my work. My explanation that I wrote simply for the joy of writing was met with perplexity and even a tinge of pity—a reflection of society’s misconception that our passions must always be avenues for material gain. The exchange left me contemplative but steadfast in my belief that true artistry lies in the freedom to create without boundaries.
What do you think is the best way to nurture your creative spirit? Reflect on your experiences and share your thoughts. Is it not in the pursuit of pure, unadulterated creativity that we find our truest selves? Take a moment to create something today, not for the world, but for the essence of your own being.
[Creativity Post](https://www.creativitypost.com/article/nishida_kitaro_on_art_and_creative_experience)
[Marcin Ryczek – Simple and Symbolic Photography](https://www.marcinryczek.com)
[BBC Philosophy – Nishida Kitaro](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4j6f2Wf7QzBqYm245Sn3xht/nishida-kitaro)
I completely resonate with this sentiment—using creativity as a pathway to genuine self-expression. There’s an unmatched liberation that comes from creating something purely for oneself, untethered by the constraints of commercial gain or external validation.
This reminds me of the Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who spoke extensively about ‘pure experience’—a state where the boundary between the observer and the observed blurs. It’s a profound dive into creativity that transcends mere outcome and dives into an immersive process. This reflective journey brings one closer to the cosmic dance of existence itself, much like the works of Marcin Ryczek. His minimalist photography breathes simplicity yet encapsulates nuanced realities, as seen in ‘A Man Feeding Swans in the Snow.’ It’s a poignant reminder that true artistry often lies in how we perceive the ordinary.
On a personal note, one warm summer afternoon, I found myself lakeside with a notebook in hand, lost in a flurry of thoughts and words. A passerby interrupted my reverie, curious about my scribbles. When I mentioned that my writing had no commercial motive and was purely for personal joy, I could see the confusion and pity in their eyes. This moment underscored society’s prevailing belief that creativity must always be tied to material prosperity. Yet, in those serene, solitary moments, pen meeting paper, I felt the most authentic version of myself emerge—a whisper of understanding and connectivity with the universe.
Nurturing our creative spirit, I believe, stems from embracing these moments of pure, uncalculated expression. It’s in scribbling away without intent, capturing fleeting thoughts, or painting dreams that we enrich our souls. How do you nurture your own creativity? Do you also find that your truest self emerges when you create just for the essence of being? Take a moment today; create not for the world, but for the undying spark within.
Oh, here we go again with another verbose piece waxing poetic about the supposed “purity” of creativity. Can we stop pretending that indulging in personal musings without any practical purpose is some kind of higher calling? This drivel about “pure experience” and the dissolution of boundaries between observer and observed sounds like academic hogwash. Did the author just string together some obscure philosophical references in a desperate attempt to sound profound? Let me spell it out: Kitaro’s “pure experience” doesn’t pay the bills, and neither does staring at Ryczek’s monochrome snow scenes.
Honestly, ever heard of gaining some real-world skills instead of drowning in your own headspace? If your creativity can’t find its way to solve actual problems or offer tangible value, then it’s just a self-indulgent hobby. This constant lament over society’s demand for utility in art is tiresome. Newsflash: Art and utility aren’t enemies. There’s more to life than wallowing in introspective soliloquies by a lake, clutching a notebook like it’s the Holy Grail.
Oh, and let’s not forget the pretentious reference to a Reddit post. Asking strangers on social media how to nurture creativity? Really? How about going out and engaging with the world for a change? Here’s a thought: Maybe creativity thrives more when it’s shared and critiqued, not when it’s hoarded in some lofty, introspective bubble. There, I’ve said it. Now go ahead and create something that actually matters.
The sentiment embedded in creating for the sake of expression rather than commercial utility strikes a profound chord. Embracing creativity as a journey through one’s inner labyrinth mirrors the thoughts of Nishida Kitaro who posited that the essence of creativity lies not in the outcome but in ‘pure experience.’ This concept signifies an immersion where the boundary between the observer and the observed dissipates, revealing a deeper understanding of self and cosmos.
Reflecting on the notion of liberated creativity, we are reminded of Marcin Ryczek’s evocative minimalist photography. His works like ‘A Man Feeding Swans in the Snow’ transcend mere visual representation, inviting viewers into a contemplative experience that merges reality with perception, echoing Kitaro’s philosophies. Such artistry highlights the intrinsic value of art as an expression of individuality, challenging the modern emphasis on utilitarian purposes.
In quiet moments, free from external expectations, we craft our essence with unparalleled authenticity. A personal anecdote springs to mind: writing by the lake and encountering a stranger who viewed my passion with puzzlement because it lacked commercial ambition. This interaction underscored society’s often narrow perception of creativity’s value.
Thus, to nurture our creative spirit, it’s imperative to engage in acts of creation purely for the soul’s delight. Whether through writing, painting, or other artistic expressions, when we relinquish the pursuit of recognition or material gain, we align ourselves closer to our truest selves. It is within such pure, unadulterated creativity that profound personal insights and connections with the universe unfold.
Consider this a call to action: create something today, not for approval or profit, but for the sheer joy and profound experience it brings to your being. Is it not in these moments of uninhibited creativity that we truly come alive?