I do always want to be creating something; I can't help it. I

"I do always want to be creating something; I can't help it. I don't know why that is, but I'm certainly not gonna knock it now, at the age of 36. It seems to be working." These words from Alison Mosshart speak to the deep, almost primal urge that drives every true creator—a force that compels the soul to express itself, to create, and to leave a mark upon the world. At the age of 36, Mosshart has come to embrace this insatiable drive, acknowledging that it is not something she can escape, nor would she want to. In her words, we hear the quiet acceptance of an undeniable calling that has shaped her journey. It is the recognition that creation is not a choice but a necessity for her spirit, something that brings her both purpose and fulfillment.

At the heart of Mosshart’s reflection is the understanding that true creativity is not a passive pursuit, but a force that shapes one’s identity. To create is not simply to produce, but to manifest one’s inner vision into the external world. This drive to create, present in artists, philosophers, musicians, and poets throughout history, is as old as humanity itself. The ancient Greeks, for example, believed that creativity was a gift from the gods, a divine spark that illuminated the mind and soul. Apollo, the god of music and poetry, was revered as the patron of artists, and his gift of inspiration was said to be irresistible, much like the urge Mosshart describes. The Greeks understood that this divine spark could not be ignored; it was something to be nurtured, honored, and followed—not questioned or dismissed.

Consider the life of Leonardo da Vinci, who, though revered as a polymath and inventor, was driven by a relentless curiosity and desire to create. Da Vinci was never content to rest on the laurels of his vast achievements. He was always experimenting, always seeking new ways to express his creativity—whether through art, engineering, or anatomy. Da Vinci, like Mosshart, knew that the urge to create could not be denied, and that each new project was both a discovery and a destination. His lifelong dedication to creation, driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, mirrored Mosshart’s own commitment to her art, an enduring force that defined her very being.

In Mosshart’s statement, there is a quiet yet powerful sense of self-acceptance—an understanding that, though she may not fully comprehend the source of her creative drive, it is something she will continue to follow. This is a universal truth for all artists and creators: the act of creation is often not a conscious decision, but a force that rises from within, urging the individual to create for creation's sake. The poet Rainer Maria Rilke famously said, “You must change your life”, meaning that the call to creation does not simply ask for a moment of artistic expression, but for a shift in identity, a transformation of the self. For Mosshart, as for many, creation is not something to be controlled or confined, but something to be embraced, nurtured, and allowed to take its own course.

At the age of 36, Mosshart is also acknowledging that the expression of her creativity has already begun to bear fruit. In the same way that an oak tree grows from a small acorn, her creations have flourished over time, gaining recognition and resonance. There is an acceptance here of growth, a recognition that creativity is a lifelong process. It evolves, matures, and, like all things in nature, requires patience and dedication. By embracing her creative drive, Mosshart allows herself to evolve alongside her work, not just as an artist, but as a person. Her statement, therefore, is a celebration of the journey that creativity takes us on, and a quiet declaration that the pursuit of purpose through creation is a worthy endeavor, regardless of the stage of life.

The lesson here is clear: creation is not a task, but a calling, one that cannot be ignored or stifled, no matter the stage of life. Mosshart’s embrace of her creative drive reminds us that we must honor our own desires to create—whether through art, writing, music, or other forms of expression. These creative forces are what define us, shape us, and give our lives meaning. The act of creation is often a reflection of our inner truth, and as we grow, it evolves with us, offering new pathways and new forms of expression.

In practical terms, this means that we must embrace our own creative impulses, even if they seem inexplicable or impractical at first. The world often rewards the practical and the conventional, but it is in the creative, the unpredictable, and the new that true growth occurs. Let us follow Mosshart’s example by continuing to create and to evolve, trusting that our creative endeavors—however strange or unexplained—will lead us toward deeper self-awareness and fulfillment. Whether we are 8, 36, or 80, the urge to create is a timeless force that calls to us all.

In conclusion, Alison Mosshart’s words remind us that creativity is a journey, not a destination. It is a force that transcends age, experience, and reason. Creation is an ongoing process—an inner calling that defines us, shapes us, and provides us with purpose. Like Leonardo da Vinci or Rainer Maria Rilke, Mosshart embraces her creative drive as part of her identity, knowing that it will continue to evolve and enrich her life. Let us take this lesson to heart and continue to honor the call to create, regardless of our age, knowing that in doing so, we shape not just our work, but our very souls.