In the realm of creativity, possibly the most persistent question artists ask themselves is what will become of their legacy – what will it be that people see in the work they leave behind? The real reason anyone gets anything done is a question as timeless as art itself. It’s a query that delves beyond the overdone narrative of overachievements and success stories. The real reason is far more profound; it’s rooted in the very essence of why we create.
Speaking as a guest lecturer on video games at Aalto University, Davey Wreden talks about the innate contract within all of us — he describes it as “this contract inside you that tells you why you’re really making whatever it is that you’re making. Just as it was praise and validation for me, perhaps for you, it’s the need to prove yourself to someone who thinks you won’t make it. Or a self judgment that the only people that are valuable in this world are the people who are churning creative content all the time”. In an era where it might seem like nothing gets done anymore, the exploration of one’s legacy becomes not just a reflection on personal achievements, but a beacon guiding us through the intricacies of the creative process. Wreden continues to impart on the matter that “even though you didn’t get to decide whether to get this contract, you can decide how you get to respond to it if u keep asking yourself [questions]”.
As we navigate the vast landscape of artistic expression, we often find ourselves looking up to the enduring legacies left behind by iconic figures. Whether it’s the elegance of a songwriter, the enduring beauty of a painter’s eye, or the timelessness of a photographer, each artist’s body of work tells a unique story about their beliefs, philosophies, and the common motifs that shaped their creative journey.
In the world of music, Taylor Swift, for example, has taught young women to embrace girlhood and all the nuances of growing up through her incredible knack for storytelling. Paul Simon’s body of work reflects a musical chameleon who constantly ventured into unknown territories, re-energizing himself with new sounds and ideas constantly and bearing the fruits of a long prosperous career as a result. The music of Joni Mitchell reveals a toughness, resilience and an almost frightening show of vulnerability that had Kris Kristofferson famously advising her, “Save something for yourself, Joni!”. In the world of visual art, Van Gogh’s vibrant colors and swirling brushstrokes leads its audience to reflect on the tumultuous mental landscape of the painter, while Rembrandt’s mastery of light and shadow reveals a profound understanding of the human condition. The photography of Vivian Maier, a name almost entirely unknown in her time, captures the life of ordinary citizens of 1950s and 60s Chicago and New York in extravagant and unique ways. What is especially intriguing about Maier’s legacy is that she was almost completely unknown in her time — her body of work was discovered in 2007 by a historian who acquired a box for her negatives in an auction. She was never able to see the fruits of her labor — she was simply creating and capturing life for its own sake.
Their legacies transcend time, inspiring artists to explore the depths of their own creativity. Delving into a musical body of work is to step into their shoes and see life through their given lens — the intricacies of human relationships, a connection to nature, a search for identity and many other themes that may be communicated. Consider critically reflecting on your favorite artists and what concepts, ideas and messages can you take away from their body of work? Think about how each album or photograph or painting plays into the narrative of the larger picture. How can you look to these artists for inspiration with, not just your own art, but demeanor? What beliefs, philosophies, and common motifs do you see run through, again not just in your creative outlets, but in your way of life?
SCF Venice — A Literary and Arts Magazine