Section 1.1: The Search for Meaning

Have you ever found yourself feeling trapped or devoid of meaning? Kierkegaard argues that the most prevalent despair arises from not being true to oneself. But how can one initiate the journey to authentic selfhood?

The poet Goethe proposed that each individual shapes their destiny much like a sculptor shapes their material. However, just as with any art form, the ability to mold our lives requires learning and dedicated practice.

Jean-Paul Sartre echoed this sentiment in Existentialism Is a Humanism, asserting that not only is a person defined by their self-perception, but they are also shaped by their choices. “Man is nothing but what he makes of himself,” he states, encapsulating the essence of existentialism.

Great saints and mystics have also underscored the significance of creativity and meaning. St. Francis of Assisi (1182–1226) remarked that an artist is not merely a laborer but someone who works with their hands, mind, and heart.

When we approach our lives as a creative project, we start aligning our actions with our true selves and uncovering new possibilities.

Section 1.2: Embracing Possibility

Gosetti-Ferencei emphasizes that the value of art lies not in the objects it produces or the messages it conveys, but in nurturing our connection to possibilities. Nietzsche famously claimed that life finds its justification in art, suggesting that we need art to navigate our truths.

In her work, Gosetti-Ferencei elaborates that the richness of life encompasses a spectrum of possibilities, from joy to despair. Beyond mere artistic creation, what can we infer about existential creativity in our lives? Nietzsche viewed the journey of self-discovery as an artistic endeavor.

To truly become oneself and realize one's potential requires stepping beyond the mundane and exercising our freedom. Viewing life as an artwork involves recognizing possibilities and actively crafting the life we desire. As the late artist Henry Moore said, “To be an artist is to believe in life.”

The philosopher Gabriel Marcel, author of The Philosophy of Existence, described a creative individual as someone who not only appreciates life but shares that zest with others. He posited that true creativity is inherently tied to existence itself, as it embodies the essence of being.

Thank you for engaging with these reflections. I hope you found inspiration within these thoughts.

My Life as a Work of Art by Daniel Lismore explores how the artist’s journey intertwines with personal identity and existential reflection.