Your art kind of changes as you get older, by nature of the fact
Your art kind of changes as you get older, by nature of the fact that you're hopefully gaining wisdom and you're starting to watch things with a better overview.
“Your art kind of changes as you get older, by nature of the fact that you're hopefully gaining wisdom and you're starting to watch things with a better overview.” These words from Sheryl Crow hold within them a truth as old as time itself: art is not a static creation, but a living, evolving expression of the soul. As we grow older, as we accumulate experiences and wisdom, our view of the world deepens, and with it, our ability to see and interpret life’s complexities. Art then becomes not just a reflection of our skills, but of the deeper truths we have come to understand about ourselves and the world.
In the ancient world, the great artists and philosophers believed that wisdom was not something bestowed by age alone, but something earned through a life lived fully and reflectively. Plato spoke of the journey of the soul, which, through time and experience, moves toward deeper understanding. The art of the philosopher, as of the artist, matures not through youthful exuberance alone, but through the quiet reflection that comes with age. Plato himself, in his dialogues, showed how the pursuit of wisdom through years of questioning and introspection could lead to more profound insights into the nature of reality.
Consider the great Leonardo da Vinci, whose art evolved over the course of his life. In his youth, da Vinci was celebrated for his mastery of technique and precision, but as he grew older, his works took on deeper complexity, reflecting not just his skill, but his understanding of the world. In his later years, he sought not only to capture the likeness of the human form, but the soul beneath it. His paintings, such as The Last Supper and The Mona Lisa, reflect a profound wisdom that goes beyond the superficial; they are imbued with a depth of understanding that only time and reflection can bring.
Sheryl Crow echoes this truth through her own music. As her career progressed, her songs evolved not only in sound but in message, drawing from the wisdom gained through life’s triumphs and struggles. The songs of her earlier years were youthful and exuberant, but as she matured, they began to speak with a more contemplative voice. Crow’s ability to view life with a broader perspective, to write with an awareness of the transient nature of time, reflects the deepening of wisdom that age brings.
In life, as in art, we are continually shaped by our experiences. Wisdom is not just a matter of knowing more, but of seeing with clearer eyes. The great artists, whether in painting, music, or philosophy, understand that art is the manifestation of the inner self, and as the self evolves, so too does the art. The ability to look at the world with a broader perspective allows the artist to communicate more deeply, to speak to truths that resonate not just with the mind, but with the soul.
Thus, let us remember that the art of life, like the art of creation, is an ever-evolving masterpiece. As we age and gain wisdom, our understanding expands, and with it, the depth of the stories we tell, the beauty we create, and the truths we share. The art of living and creating, at its best, is a reflection of the wisdom we gather along the way, a journey from youthful expression to profound understanding.
HLHai Le
I’m curious about the universality of this idea. Does every artist’s work naturally mature with age, or do some remain creatively consistent throughout their lives? How does personal growth outside of art—relationships, failures, and learning—interact with one’s creative output? I’d love to explore whether the evolution of art is tied more to chronological age or to the depth of life experiences a person undergoes.
PD7.9-09- Cao Phuc Dat
This raises questions about audience perception. Do viewers recognize the subtle changes in an artist’s work as they gain wisdom, or do they simply see it as a shift in style? Could understanding the artist’s life experience enhance appreciation for the art? I’d like a perspective on whether the maturation of art is more evident to creators themselves or to those who engage with it.
HGNguyen Huong Giang
I feel inspired but also challenged by the idea that art evolves naturally with age. It makes me wonder how much of artistic growth is intentional versus simply a byproduct of life experience. Can one accelerate this growth through deliberate learning and observation, or must it come organically? I’d love examples of artists whose work clearly transformed as they matured and how they achieved that evolution.
TVtuong vy
This makes me curious about the role of self-reflection in art. How much does observing life from a broader perspective really influence the creative process? Could stepping back and analyzing experiences too much risk losing spontaneity, or does it actually provide richer meaning? I’d like to explore practical ways for creators to cultivate wisdom while maintaining the authenticity of their original voice.
LLOL
I find myself reflecting on the connection between age and creativity. Does accumulating experience necessarily enhance artistic depth, or could it sometimes lead to more cautious, less experimental work? I wonder if wisdom always translates into better perspective, or if youthful risk-taking has its own unique value. How do artists balance the benefits of maturity with the raw energy and boldness of earlier work?