Young-ha Kim: Be an artist, right now!

TL;DR

In this talk, the speaker explores the idea of being an artist and encourages the audience to embrace their artistic capabilities.

Transcript

Translator: Clair Han Reviewer: ChangHyun Lee The theme of my talk today is, "Be an artist, right now." Most people, when this subject is brought up, get tense and resist it: "Art doesn't feed me, and right now I'm busy. I have to go to school, get a job, send my kids to lessons ... " You think, "I'm too busy. I don't have time for art." There are ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👶 Kids are born artists and engage in various forms of art naturally and without inhibition.
• 📝 Storytelling begins when kids start to lie, showcasing their creativity and imagination.
• 🖊️ Writing is like connecting one sentence after another, similar to the artistic process of storytelling.
• 🎨 Art is a joyful pastime that brings happiness because it is not work, unlike most jobs that can be tiring.
• 🎭 Putting on a play or engaging in artistic activities can be enjoyable and fulfilling, even for those who don't consider themselves artists.
• 🎭 Acting and writing can be therapeutic and help express one's true self, even in environments like the military or mental institutions.
• 🎸 Artistic impulses can manifest negatively when suppressed, leading to jealousy or living vicariously through others.
• 🎨 Starting our own art and pursuing creative endeavors can bring happiness and fulfillment, regardless of external pressures or judgments.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why do people resist the idea of associating themselves with art?

People resist associating themselves with art because they believe it is only for the greatly gifted or professionally trained. They may also think they have strayed too far from art and it is no longer accessible to them.

Q: How are kids natural artists?

Kids are natural artists because everything they do is art. They draw on walls, dance to their own unique choreography, and engage in imaginative play. They have fun with their art and don't tire of it like adults often do.

Q: How is storytelling similar to creating art?

Storytelling and creating art are similar because they both involve connecting one sentence or idea to the next. Just like a professional writer, kids who start to lie are taking their first steps as storytellers. The process of storytelling and writing both involve justifying the next sentence or idea.

Q: Why does work tire us but play doesn't?

Work tires us because it is often against human nature. Michel Tournier famously said, "Work is against human nature. The proof is that it makes us tired." On the other hand, play doesn't tire us because it is enjoyable and aligns with our natural inclinations. Kids engage in art and play for fun, not for the purposes of work or monetary gain.

Q: How do artistic desires manifest when suppressed?

When artistic desires are suppressed, they can often manifest in negative or dark forms. This can include jealousy towards those who actively engage in art, spending excessive time trolling on the internet, or expressing artistic impulses in unconventional ways. The desire to express oneself artistically doesn't disappear when suppressed but finds alternative outlets.

Q: What should individuals do to embrace their artistic side?

Individuals should start their own art right now. They should turn off distractions like TV and the internet and start engaging in creative activities. Whether it's participating in a drama class, writing without inhibition, or exploring a new art form, individuals should be bold and embrace art for the sake of having fun and expressing themselves.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker argues that everyone is born an artist and that art brings joy and happiness

• The speaker highlights the importance of embracing one's artistic desires and expressing oneself through art

• The speaker encourages the audience to start their own art right now, without worrying about the opinions or judgments of others.