In Dreams... well, I was slightly overcompensating with that. I

In the words of Neil Jordan, "In Dreams... well, I was slightly overcompensating with that. I was a bit like a director for hire, so maybe I was putting too much imagery that was familiar to me into it," we encounter a reflection on the creative process, the balance between artistic expression and personal influence. Jordan admits to a subtle overcompensation in his work, a tendency to inject his own experiences, symbols, and emotions into his creations, perhaps more than was necessary. In these words, we are reminded that the act of creation is not only about what we intend to express but also about how much of our own identity we imprint upon it. For the artist, the line between personal expression and universal connection can often be blurred, and sometimes, this leads to works that feel deeply personal—perhaps at the expense of the broader audience's interpretation.

This struggle between personal vision and the need for broader understanding has been present throughout the ages. The ancient Greeks recognized the tension between self-expression and universal truth in the art of drama. Sophocles, in his tragedies, wove his own understanding of fate and justice into the fabric of his plays. Yet, he also sought to capture the essence of universal human experience, striving to make his characters speak to the broader truths of life. In the same way, Jordan’s reflection on his film Dreams speaks to this eternal balance: the artist must navigate the tension between their personal vision and the story that needs to be told in a way that resonates with others.

Consider the life of Michelangelo, whose David remains one of the greatest sculptures in history. Michelangelo's personal imprint is deeply evident in the piece—his understanding of human form and emotion is infused into the marble. Yet, Michelangelo also sought to create something more universal: a symbol of human strength, beauty, and resilience. His work transcended his own personal expression to embody ideals that would resonate with generations. In this, we see that true artistry lies in the ability to harmonize personal voice with a deeper, more universal truth. Jordan’s recognition that he may have “overcompensated” with his own imagery in Dreams speaks to the artist's awareness of the need to let go of the personal in favor of the universal.

The lesson in Jordan’s words is one of self-awareness in the creative process. Art, in any form, is a reflection of the artist, but it is also a reflection of the world around them. The artist must constantly question: how much of myself is needed in this work, and how much of the world’s truth should be conveyed? This awareness allows the artist to create not only for themselves but for others, to communicate in a way that invites a shared experience. The artist, like the ancient philosophers, must seek balance—between self-expression and universal connection, between the personal and the collective.

An example of this balance can be found in the work of William Shakespeare, who infused his personal ideas, concerns, and feelings into his plays, yet his works transcend time and culture. His characters are not just reflections of his own life, but of the human condition. Shakespeare understood that personal imagery—if rooted in universal themes—could speak to a wide audience. This is a lesson for all artists: when we ground our personal experiences in themes of love, loss, hope, and fear, we connect with others on a deeper, more universal level.

The practical action here is to approach the creative process with an openness to balance. Like Jordan, we must recognize when we are overcompensating with our own personal symbols and instead focus on creating works that speak to all people, not just ourselves. Let us not lose sight of our vision, but let us also invite others into it. By stepping outside of our own immediate experience and seeking the universal truths that bind us all, we create works that inspire, connect, and transcend our individual selves. Art—in all its forms—is not only a reflection of the artist but a bridge between the personal and the universal.

In the end, the artist’s role is not simply to express themselves but to express something that is felt by all. When we create, let us remember that our dreams, while personal, are also part of a greater whole, and through them, we can connect to others in ways that move beyond individual experiences. The artist, in this sense, becomes both the creator and the vessel for the universal truths that resonate through time.