On Having a Creative Calling

The speaker discusses the profound impact of art on their life, emphasizing the concept of having a creative calling and feeling a deep sense of intrinsic purpose in pursuing art. They express that art has been a refuge during times of illness and despair, providing them with a sense of worth and offering something meaningful to others and the future. The speaker believes that a creative calling could come from various sources such as God, nature, or a vast energy pool and feels a deep connection with everything in their work. They acknowledge the sacrifices and self-centeredness involved in being an artist, describing it as a vocation that demands significant dedication and commitment. Another speaker shares a similar experience, feeling an innate calling to be a stand-up comic with no other option in mind, viewing it as a strange but profound commitment with a spiritual or divine aspect. They express a sense of surrender to their calling, acknowledging the challenges but also relying on it to get through tough times.