For the joy that's in it

My whole life, I've been making things. When I was little I assembled three-dimensional paper furniture. I tried to embroider freehand designs. I cut out paper snowflakes. I wrote stories.

Now, partly grown up, not much has changed. I take photographs, write poems, knit, make jewelry, bake and collage and cook and sew. I do these things for the same reasons I did when I was a kid: because I can, because I want to see if the idea in my head matches what my hands can do, and because it brings me joy.

People routinely suggest that I should sell my various creations: earrings, pies, photos. Sometimes I agree, and so I make halfhearted attempts. I've sold a few things. But that doesn't add to the joy in creating something. I would much rather make things as a gift, or for no reason at all.

Our culture, though, seems guided by the clear boundaries of profit. If you are good at something, it ought to bring you money. You can't be a writer unless your work is published. You can't be any good at something unless someone pays you for it. (Relationships, however, seem to be valued oppositely: If someone pays you, it can't be real. It's all built on emotional value. But that's another topic entirely.)

I find that when I try to turn an enjoyable hobby (as most of my creative pursuits are) into income, the joy is diminished. If something I love becomes something I have to do, where's the fun in that? Maybe it's OK if no one associates my name with anything spectacular after I'm dead. And maybe I don't care if my poems will be anthologized and read by students in the distant future.

Can't something be created just for the joy that's in it?

Not so long ago, I thought I might want to be a writer, a National Geographic photographer or a clothing designer. But I never went out of my way to pursue those careers. I must not be competitive enough for the creative jobs. I don't think I would be happy as a mediocre artist.

Thus, I'm very happy to be a librarian. It's not an art and not a science, but it does require skill and intelligence. It lets me learn a little more about everything, and that's what I've always liked best.

Comments

[Mom]

I've copied your post and am sending it to Karen. We talk about our capitalistic society quite a bit and try to explore alternatives. Seems like everything becomes a capitalistic endeavor. Even living green is enormously profitable for products, magazines, etc. Thanks for sharing your musings. xxxxxoooooooooooo

[Dad]

Key words in the last paragraph..."skill and intelligence..." Two attributes you've always displayed in abundance.