Source: MidJourney

I recently saw a wonderful piece of art with the statement, “I have now decided that my life is simply a piece of performance art.” by tinyrainboot. It made me think. Isn’t it true that our lives are art by default? Could we, once and for all, decide that all life is art?

I’m not sure.

But I’ve come to realize that we are all individually made out of stories – the ones we tell ourselves, the ones told to us by others, the generational stories, gender stories, and tragic stories, the stories of hope and tears and love, all beautifully woven onto the unstoppable canvas of life.

And stories, my friends, are art.

I also encountered another quote recently that lingered in my mind for quite a while. Perhaps this is the story I’m narrating to myself. It’s by Helena Bonham Carter:

“I think everything in life is art. What you do. How you dress. The way you love someone and how you talk. Your smile and your personality. What you believe in, and all your dreams. The way you drink your tea. How you decorate your home. Or party. Your grocery list. The food you make. How your writing looks. And the way you feel. Life is art.”

If we entertain the idea, even briefly, that this statement is a pure, 100% truth — a truth that perhaps only a few of us might acknowledge — maybe then we can understand the inevitable role of art and creativity in our lives.

Perhaps then we might allow our creativity and artistic passions to flow through the calm and stormy waters of life.

I know many wonderful artists who’ve told me that art is everything; it’s much bigger than life; it’s something that flows through them, and they feel compelled to make space for it to emerge. I recently had a wonderful conversation about it with Cornelia Hagmann, who welcomed us into her home in Ticino, Switzerland, with her beautiful art pieces, ranging from acrylic paintings to bronze sculptures and gorgeous scarves. Just take a look at her website and see for yourself.

And after so many conversations about art, life, and stories this year, I’m curious to learn your take on it.

And if I’ve piqued your curiosity about art, join us this Saturday in Zurich for the Art & Startup night, where my digital art pieces will be presented. Learn more here.