It's interesting the part about US. There is this great comfort of the friendly nature of people who also all speak your language fluently, the diverstiy is also one of the pros in Bali but you also lose that language and culture comfort familiarirty where you kinda just feel like everybody understands you a bit better. But in the end it also feels like a giant pause being back in the west in a way. Like there is not as much room to grow. But maybe it's partly the depth of a much bigger pond that feels overwhelming and unmanageable that we don't feel as motivated.
I agree with your first point, that's definitely something I find comforting about the US. There's an unmistakable ease at which I can communicate - using wonky southern slang or making a cultural reference to a TV show from childhood. And everyone just gets it.
About room to grow, I agree to a point. My experience in the US is that it's hard to connect with my inner world and be in tune with my true desires. I am in an environment where it's encouraged to conform and consume (perhaps the idea of swimming against the current feels unmanageable and overwhelming, that's why it's demotivating).
At the same time, the external realm holds many opportunities that I can't find in Bali, especially in music. And more on this in my next publication!
I love this. I think you touched upon something I want to do more research on. How I never figured out where “home” was to me as an artist. The phenomenon of artists, throughout history, relocating to places with a lower cost of living so they could focus on their creative pursuits and ideas is a new topic to me. Those from many generations and centuries who have had to travel to actually create because creating is something that runs in their blood. Maybe it’s not a characteristic they have, rather a form of epidemics from family lineage.
After doing some research, I think you should look into the DRD4-7R gene!
Ohhhhhh I love that you're bringing generational patterns and epigenetics into this. I looked into the "wanderlust gene" as you mentioned and now I'm convinced I have it switched on. Finding out stuff like that always makes me wonder about free will.. a topic for another time?
Fascinating listen. Dr. Stewart said that there are studies showing that 1 hour of creative time/week is important for healthy brain function. Why? Because when we create, it signals to our brain that we are safe and our cortisol drops. It's a whole area of research that is being explored called "neuro aesthetics." Basically creating beauty in your life is aesthetically pleasing to your brain. Even something as simple as putting flowers by your bedside is signaling to your brain, "Bish! You had time to go buy flowers? We good." IT'S SO INTERESTING.
I wonder if that's why I have become more creative while living abroad. Maybe on some level, I am creating a sense of safety for myself, far away from my "tribe" that provided me safety back home.
Thank you for bringing this up and sharing your thoughts with me, glad we could spiral together <3
Sydney! I love how truthful your analysis is, and the nuances that gave me more insight into other artists' experiences. I found how you mentioned being 'sucked back' into the matrix very relatable – although I still keep creating in the West, I find myself way more excited and engaged in Bali (and in Asia generally). I find it much more stimulating; people are not as cagey with their lives here, they're more open to sharing the real stuff, and so you get quite a bit of surprising inspiration for new material to explore. Also, meeting other artists here is super inspiring to keep going and, as you say, not feel like an insane, impractical person all the time. What is it they say? You are the average of the 5 people you spend most time with? I'm not sure I believe that, but if I'm so surrounded by artists here, I guess it's more likely I will remain in this creative realm rather than go down the career 'get-more-shit' route. Thanks for your post ❤️
Thank you Teodora!! Your experience resonates so much - especially what you said about people being less cagey with their lives in Bali. There's this openness to vulnerability here and it sparks people to "dare to go there." Diving even deeper into their art, with courage. And yess the "get-more-shit route" 😂 Even if we're not literally the average of 5 people, being around other artists definitely keeps me anchored in my creativity. Thanks for adding these thoughtful layers to the convo :)
It's interesting the part about US. There is this great comfort of the friendly nature of people who also all speak your language fluently, the diverstiy is also one of the pros in Bali but you also lose that language and culture comfort familiarirty where you kinda just feel like everybody understands you a bit better. But in the end it also feels like a giant pause being back in the west in a way. Like there is not as much room to grow. But maybe it's partly the depth of a much bigger pond that feels overwhelming and unmanageable that we don't feel as motivated.
I agree with your first point, that's definitely something I find comforting about the US. There's an unmistakable ease at which I can communicate - using wonky southern slang or making a cultural reference to a TV show from childhood. And everyone just gets it.
About room to grow, I agree to a point. My experience in the US is that it's hard to connect with my inner world and be in tune with my true desires. I am in an environment where it's encouraged to conform and consume (perhaps the idea of swimming against the current feels unmanageable and overwhelming, that's why it's demotivating).
At the same time, the external realm holds many opportunities that I can't find in Bali, especially in music. And more on this in my next publication!
Thank you for sharing your experience <3
I love this. I think you touched upon something I want to do more research on. How I never figured out where “home” was to me as an artist. The phenomenon of artists, throughout history, relocating to places with a lower cost of living so they could focus on their creative pursuits and ideas is a new topic to me. Those from many generations and centuries who have had to travel to actually create because creating is something that runs in their blood. Maybe it’s not a characteristic they have, rather a form of epidemics from family lineage.
After doing some research, I think you should look into the DRD4-7R gene!
So fascinating!
-Breeze
Ohhhhhh I love that you're bringing generational patterns and epigenetics into this. I looked into the "wanderlust gene" as you mentioned and now I'm convinced I have it switched on. Finding out stuff like that always makes me wonder about free will.. a topic for another time?
I do enjoy an occasional neuroscience podcast and today I listened to the Diary of a CEO with Dr. Tara Stewart: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4dZEZbWDOjFLOZPMJPsZf1?si=0S41rUKxR7S4AEPAgaDLLA
Fascinating listen. Dr. Stewart said that there are studies showing that 1 hour of creative time/week is important for healthy brain function. Why? Because when we create, it signals to our brain that we are safe and our cortisol drops. It's a whole area of research that is being explored called "neuro aesthetics." Basically creating beauty in your life is aesthetically pleasing to your brain. Even something as simple as putting flowers by your bedside is signaling to your brain, "Bish! You had time to go buy flowers? We good." IT'S SO INTERESTING.
I wonder if that's why I have become more creative while living abroad. Maybe on some level, I am creating a sense of safety for myself, far away from my "tribe" that provided me safety back home.
Thank you for bringing this up and sharing your thoughts with me, glad we could spiral together <3
Such a cute little baby you are on this photo 🫶🏼
Sydney! I love how truthful your analysis is, and the nuances that gave me more insight into other artists' experiences. I found how you mentioned being 'sucked back' into the matrix very relatable – although I still keep creating in the West, I find myself way more excited and engaged in Bali (and in Asia generally). I find it much more stimulating; people are not as cagey with their lives here, they're more open to sharing the real stuff, and so you get quite a bit of surprising inspiration for new material to explore. Also, meeting other artists here is super inspiring to keep going and, as you say, not feel like an insane, impractical person all the time. What is it they say? You are the average of the 5 people you spend most time with? I'm not sure I believe that, but if I'm so surrounded by artists here, I guess it's more likely I will remain in this creative realm rather than go down the career 'get-more-shit' route. Thanks for your post ❤️
Thank you Teodora!! Your experience resonates so much - especially what you said about people being less cagey with their lives in Bali. There's this openness to vulnerability here and it sparks people to "dare to go there." Diving even deeper into their art, with courage. And yess the "get-more-shit route" 😂 Even if we're not literally the average of 5 people, being around other artists definitely keeps me anchored in my creativity. Thanks for adding these thoughtful layers to the convo :)