The ‘Big Fish’ Gremlin
QUIT SAYING YOU APPRECIATE ME AND START CREATING
How the battle between art vs content is like the battle between fishing vs commercial fishing, and how you can help:
The parallel between catching creative fish and catching nirvanic bliss is like fishing. The fisherman goes out early in the morning, lines up the bait, casts the net and sits patiently. Though they cannot control what fish comes into the net, they can practice getting quicker to spot the first signs of life and be ready to pull in the big fish if it does come.
It’s the same with us as creatives; though we can’t control what downloads will come as we meditate/pray, we can at least show up in silence and tune our senses to recognise & reel in the fish. Fishing is, therefore, like the practice of art.
And so, just as when we switched to fish farming to catch more fish and satisfy our palate, when we changed from art to content, we lost something VERY magical on the way - the practice of contemplation.
FISHING = A WAY OF LIVING = IT’S ABOUT SUSTAINED JOY = ART
MASS FISHING = A WAY OF CONSUMING = IT’S ABOUT QUICK PLEASURE = CONTENT
The problem with content is the same as the problem of commerical fishing. When the goal is to catch as many fish as possible, a whole ecosystem is affected.
3. If you know event spaces, coordinators, or pots of money, connect creators you like with funding - money talks
4. If you are a coach in business or law, offer an exchange of skills and information - creatives and business minds are like Yin & Yang … In the words of Jerry Mc Guire, “You complete me”.
5. Use jealousy as inspiration: next time someone in your circle does something you wish you were doing, don't throw shade; instead, look at what it is you would love to be doing and use that as fire to motivate yourself and thank the person for expanding your awareness.
Therefore, as a healthy Gremlin, where can we shop organic in this metaphor? Where can we put our money where our mouth is and support artists who shows us a more inspiring, less extractive way of living? - Here are some ways
1.Don’t just observe people you like who are creating; at the least, message them to say thank you. Share our work. As a creative - we don't always know who is watching or listening, and it helps when we know our work resonates.
2. Support them, like their work, and subscribe to their Patreon. Do what you can to get people onto their mailing list or their spotify account. Consistent small support helps.
When it becomes just about the fish and not about the longevity of the seas, the health of the fisherman or the nutrition of the fish, we, the consumer, suffer. And it’s the same with art.
P.S.
I referenced Father Bronques at the top of this email. Here are three online creative schools I’d highly recommend.
