Dear Artists,

My opportunity to write this letter comes at a unique and unexpected moment -- unprecedented, even. If I had written this just a couple of weeks earlier, it would undoubtedly have been different. Then again -- maybe not.

Because what I want to say is that art is a means of orienting oneself to the world, a way of finding and achieving perspective. It’s a way to communicate with others, to express our deepest and most precious desires, fears, and dreams. Art is a way of connecting through time, so that we learn from those who came before us, from the work they have left us, and to give something to the future. Art is a product of that indelible defining characteristic of any artist that pushes you to generously make, to do, to create. It is all these things and many more.

A lot is written about art as work, art as language, art as history, art as a practice… at a time when we are all encouraged to stay home and keep ourselves and one another healthy, it seems a good time to reflect on the deceptively simple fact that among all the other definitions, art is what you want or need it to be. Author Madeleine L’Engle wrote, “The discipline of creation, be it to paint, compose, write, is an effort towards wholeness.” It fills in gaps, it smooths the journey, it lights the way.

If your goal is to make paintings in a large studio and get gallery representation, that’s great. But if you want to make tiny sculptures out of paper and never show anyone, that’s good too. If you want to pen letters, perform songs, write poems, create an initiative to help others during a time of crisis, then that’s good too. But I urge you to remember that no matter what you do, whether it’s the same as what you usually do, or you’re trying something for the first time: if the art you make helps you, then this is very, very good.

Art doesn’t have to be about something. It does not need to respond to the current situation. It’s okay if it does, because if that’s something that means a lot to you, and it helps you, then you should move along with that current. But don’t feel guilty if you want to paint pretty pictures of flowers, or want to draw cartoons for your kids that no one else gets to see. No art is selfish. By virtue of being someone who creates, you create for others.

So in this time, as many of you are prevented from getting to your usual studio spaces, or you have been asked to leave your colleges and dorms, or you’re packed in with your family in your house or apartment and may have limited access to materials -- use this as a time to reflect and to think, to experiment (perhaps on a smaller scale than you’re used to), to try new mediums, to connect with others in a different way through your work, or even to take a break. What is most important is that art, whenever and however you employ it, will always, always illuminate a path forward.


Much love,
Kate x

Follow Kate’s Work

Website: www.katemothes.net
Instagram: @katemothes