Five Muses Creative Values: Artistry

Because we need to bring a level of care to create value

Before I put this Substack on hiatus, I wrote about leading communications with values. The plan was to start a series to introduce Five Muses Creative’s.

I thought I’d finish that series. The values I’ll share are are important to me, and I want to take time to explain why. That way, people can learn what kind of person they’d be dealing with in the event that we need to collaborate. With that in mind, let’s get into the first “muse”, or value.

Artistry

The act of creation brings depth, richness, and meaning to the world, so we do not come lightly to the telling of tales.

To me, art is inherent to the human experience. It feeds the soul—both the creator’s and of the people who enjoy the work. It’s escapism. It’s empathy. It’s growth and learning and pushing boundaries. Sometimes it’s all these things and sometimes only one or two. But what sets art apart isn’t its beauty or complexity, but the love and passion with which it’s made. (Incidentally, this is why passion is another one of 5MC’s key values.)

One thing is certain: art is important. It’s being devalued on all fronts, but I would argue there are few times in the past where it was more needed than right now. This is why I am so passionate about being part of its creation, both as a creator and as a supporter of creators.

Art and Story

Storytelling is my true artistic love. Most of my creative pursuits have some sort of storytelling aspect to it. There’s something truly beautiful about continuing a pre-historic tradition. Storytelling has existed longer than writing itself, and served the purpose of bringing people together to transmit information, probably for as long as humans have been able to form words.

Fitting then, to use it both as a medium for fiction, and as a structure from which we can communicate with each other.

The thing that kept storytelling alive for so long is how people feel when they experience a story being told. Story provides escape. A refuge. A place of safety. Comfort. Freedom to explore.

I can go on and one, but for all the talk of stories being frivolous and childish, story is what brought humanity through an infinite number of dark nights of the soul. In many ways, story is what makes us human.

Story Does Not Stop at Fiction: Why Artistry Is Important

The stories we tell ourselves impact our mental health. Communications and marketing efforts that focus on building coherent narratives shape what we buy, how we think, and who we support.

Sadly, storytelling isn’t always used for good. Stories can build or break down. They can encourage growth or do harm. They can bring people together but they can also destroy unity.

I believe that, while stories themselves should have a light touch (no one likes being preached or shouted at), we as storytellers and creators should never come lightly to the telling of tales. We have a responsibility to stand by our art, even as we challenge the status quo or battle internal and external censors.

But saying something to drive division isn’t artistry. It’s destruction. Using storytelling to drive fear and overconsumption is irresponsible.

A guiding principle I like to use is: does this give life? If it doesn’t, or it only provides space to live to people who match a narrow set of criteria at the cost of everyone else… It isn’t something I have any wish to call art, or that I would like to have anything to with.

On the flip side… I want to approach everything I do with a level of artistry that brings life to that which I touch.

Have you ever considered what your values are? What do you find important in the creation of art?

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