Because somewhere, there is a field of daisies
44 Reasons to Keep Making Your Art
Because it was fun once, and it can be fun again
Because it could change someone’s life
Because it doesn’t need to change anyone’s life
Because it pays the bills
Because it is a way to stay embodied
Because it helps your heart metabolize what feels unbearable
Because that one time, someone told you it was the reason they decided to make something too
To feel connected
To make them proud
For poetic revenge
Because it is your way of praying
It is a good excuse to leave the house
It is a good excuse to not leave the house
You need to see yourself do what you said you would do
Because the world isn’t actually ending today
And if it does tomorrow—today, you made something beautiful.
To help your people find you
Because your energy has to go somewhere
To see your dreams come true
Because it doesn’t make sense
Because it hurts when you don’t
Because somebody else will do it
Because WOW—you are so good at it
Because it really doesn’t have to be good
Because you’re allowed to be happy
Because you couldn’t truly shut up, even if you tried
Because someone out there feels like they are the only one
Because it feels really nice—you just forgot
To point and say, “Did you see this?”
To validate and heal
To protest and protect
To play and grow
To remind yourself that you are safe
Because you’re already doing it
Because it is a way to scream
Because somewhere, there is a field of daisies
Because it is a way to build a new world
Because it is simply in your nature
Because you are not AI—thank GOD
Why not??????????????????????????
Because it is an act of hope
And it’s so cool to keep trying
Because there is no reality in which your art does not matter
Because it is one very important way to love the world.
Currently reading Woodworking and Bluets, slowly.
📍 upcoming travel: Between August 18th–25th, I’ll be traveling down the California coast from Point Arena to Los Angeles. I’m looking for places to stay along the way — in exchange, I’d love to offer a portrait to anyone who hosts me.
If you’d like to hire me for a full photo session or an Embodied Portrait experience during that time, I’m also booking sessions. You can reach me by responding to this e-mail or at hello@joy-newell.com with your dream or idea, and learn more about my process at www.trulyspectacular.world.