Brené with Dr. Sarah Lewis on Creativity, Surrender, and Aesthetic Force
Jan 25, 2021
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Dr. Sarah Lewis, an associate professor at Harvard and expert in creativity and art history, joins for a riveting dialogue. She emphasizes the importance of protecting creative time and the transformative power of surrender. Discussing her book, she explores how vulnerability can lead to personal growth and resilience. The conversation highlights the impactful role of art in societal change, urging listeners to appreciate diverse imagery and reflect on the ethical implications surrounding social justice. It's a profound exploration of creativity, beauty, and connection.
The podcast emphasizes that mastery is about intrinsic commitment and learning from failures, contrasting it with external success validation.
Surrender is portrayed as a vital creative process that allows individuals to redirect energy and embrace uncertainty for growth.
Aesthetic force is highlighted as a powerful tool for social change, showing how art can evoke empathy and challenge societal norms.
Deep dives
The Difference Between Mastery and Success
The discussion centers on the critical difference between mastery and success, highlighting that mastery involves a deeper, more intrinsic commitment to one's craft compared to the external validation of success. Falling and beginning again, or experiencing failures, is framed as a crucial component of the journey toward mastery, allowing individuals to learn and grow from their experiences. This concept resonates deeply with creative professionals who often face setbacks, suggesting that these near-misses should be celebrated as they pave the way toward genuine mastery. The conversation emphasizes that recognizing and understanding the transformative nature of failure can lead to richer and more fulfilling creative processes.
The Power of Surrender
The idea of surrender is explored as an essential aspect of creativity rather than a sign of defeat, with a focus on the concept of 'giving over' instead of 'giving up.' Through stories of exploration, particularly that of Arctic explorer Ben Saunders, surrender is depicted as a necessary mental shift that facilitates resilience and perseverance under extreme conditions. This perspective likens surrender to Aikido, where one learns to redirect energy rather than resisting it, thereby freeing oneself to make progress. Ultimately, surrender is seen as a means to connect with one’s inner strengths and navigate the uncertainties of the creative journey.
Aesthetic Force and Its Role in Change
Aesthetic force is defined as the profound impact that art can have on one’s perception and awareness, potentially catalyzing social change. Historical examples illustrate how impactful imagery—such as abolitionist art—has the power to awaken collective consciousness and drive movements for justice and equality. In sharing stories, the conversation highlights moments when beauty, rather than logical argument, has moved people to reconsider societal norms. This insight reinforces the notion that art serves as a pivotal vehicle for empathy and understanding, often sparking critical dialogues around issues of race and justice.
The Impact of Artistic Representation
The conversation underscores the importance of diverse representation in art and media, arguing that exposure to various aesthetic experiences can broaden worldviews and enhance understanding of different cultures. Sharing personal experiences, both the guests discuss the significance of uplifting narratives that celebrate Black joy, love, and excellence, rather than solely focusing on traumatic images. This approach advocates for a more balanced representation of Black narratives in art, emphasizing that beauty can powerfully coexist with the imperative to address systemic issues. By celebrating diversity in artistic expression, the conversation points toward fostering inclusivity and challenging stereotypes.
Navigating Trauma Through Aesthetic Consumption
The challenges associated with consuming images of violence and trauma are acknowledged, particularly regarding their potential to re-traumatize viewers, especially those from marginalized communities. Balancing the need for awareness through powerful visuals against the ethical consideration of emotional well-being presents a complex dilemma. The discussion suggests that while some individuals benefit from witnessing these truths, others may require protection from them to safeguard their mental health. Ultimately, navigating this landscape involves a nuanced dialogue about the ethics of representation and the impact of media on individual and collective identities.
Join me for Part 2 of a conversation with one of my favorite thinkers and writers, Dr. Sarah Lewis. We’re talking about her book, The Rise: Creativity, the Gift of Failure, and the Search for Mastery. I first talked to Sarah on our November 30 episode about the creative process and the difference between mastery and success, but the conversation was so thought-provoking that we had to record a second episode. This time, we talk about the impact of protecting creative time and the power of surrender. We also talk about aesthetic force and the role of imagery in creating change.
