c o n n e c t i o n
Art has always been my medium for self-expression. Though I do not endeavour in the acts commonly associated with “creating art” (e.g. Painting, drawing, music, writing, etc.) too often, art remains my refuge when I need an emotional outlet — when I want to express my feelings without words (unless that outlet is writing, in which case, words are literally my medium). For me, there is a clear distinction between creating art as an emotional outlet and creating art for other purposes. Art as an emotional outlet, the purest form of art, is “for the self and only for the self.” This kind of art exists solely as an emotional release for the artist, devoid of any need for recognition or external validation. Its purpose is the expression of self, and its audience is the artist and the universe — a sacred and intimate connection. If I create art with a purpose beyond mere self-expression, it loses the sincerity that should define it. This is not to diminish art created for other purposes, as art can fulfil many roles. But pure art is a personal dialogue between the artist and their innermost feelings. My poems, like any genuine artwork, might not be fully understood by others.
The true meaning of art is often elusive to anyone but the artist. While observers may catch glimpses, the artist sees a clear reflection of their self, an image as clear as day. Throughout reading this book, you may have encountered pieces of art that resonated deeply with you or others that did not resonate as much. Some works may have seemed plain stupid, while others might have struck you as beautiful. However you felt, and whatever you experienced, it was your experience. Your emotions shone through in your engagement with the pieces in this work, and with that, if you felt any spark of recognition within you, you formed a bond with the art presented here.
You made the art yours.
This work might also have provoked thoughts about the poems and how they are to be interpreted, although perhaps questions would be the correct term to use. You may not understand fully the choices I have made in this work, and if that is the case...
I believe I have done my work correctly.
You are not supposed to understand my meaning behind my work; you are merely to observe, feel, and develop your own interpretation, creating a sacred and intimate connection between you — the observer— and the art itself. If you want to harbour this connection, I urge you to stop reading and close this work here. However, if you are not content with this and still wish to understand my meaning, I welcome you to read further and commit an act of voyeurism. But be aware that if you do, you will have lost a connection that you can never fully get back.