Make Art, Not War

I kind of hate the broad applicability of the phrase "Make art, not war." It sounds a bit like a nauseating, Oprah-esque, self-help blanket statement. But, I think there is a really cool premise somewhere deep down in there.

 

I don't think life is as reductive as "Make art not war" would have it. It implies linearity; that art and war are diametrically opposed aspects and one must be vanquished in favor of the other. Well, life is inherently wild. Moments will be sweet and calm; moments will be absolutely insane; other moments yet will be every variation therein. Sometimes war is necessary. Sometimes non-war is necessary. In order to live in the world, you might want to make meaning with both aspects. Try being alive without getting into a war here and there.

 

The artist takes raw experience, whatever comes up, and transmutes that into expression through a medium: paint, clay, voice, word, instrument, dance, etc. Many artists have historically lived through hardship--the fruit of their struggle was avant-garde creativity as it was inclusive of both the ups and downs.

 

"Make art, not war" is just not a complete statement. I think it should be expanded: "Artfully war with it all!" The good news is there's little to do here; you are already a gifted artist of life and being you!

 

Your body is living art. Like an infinitely layered canvas upon which you paint one picture on top of the next, generation of art doesn't stop. Each painting you create becomes the base for the next. Your body is a twisted, curved, rich masterpiece that has captured all of your life's movement. You are your own physical record of all that you have done; your body validates each moment as real. So yes, your body is not homogeneous; it is complex and beautifully warped in some way as you have artfully warred through life. What would be the point of art without a little war somewhere?

 

Then we get to yoga class. It's the same thing! Full body art! It's just another painting on top of the last. Make art with all of yourself. Consider the interest of creating with all of your broken, missing, working, and extra pieces. Artfully war with all of it.

 

Honor the way you have shown up in your life as an artist of yourself and the world around you. The interesting richness of being alive. The beautiful mess and masterpiece. Honor yourself as you weave your extremes into expression.