It’s a random Wednesday, just before Christmas. It’s not a day I’d usually send out a newsletter, and if you’re a regular, you’re probably like, Charisse where have you been?
But honestly, me writing this so randomly also means that I genuinely want to share something with you. And that concept of being genuine has been filling my thoughts so much these days, I thought it was time to let them overflow into a newsletter, which will also be followed by a TikTok Live chat because I want to know what you think.
Over the years I’ve interviewed hundreds (thousands?) of people as a newspaper journalist, a magazine editor and most recently as a podcast host. I have spoken to many people who are artists and many who are creators. I've interviewed Paulo Coehlo, Diane Von Furstenberg, Dolce & Gabbana (a long time ago) and I’ve interviewed some of the most inspiring content creators from the worlds of fashion and beauty. Over those same years I have often felt a sense of guilt around my own unease with the concept of creators.
As someone who began photography in my teens and studied it alongside Fine Art at uni, I’ve always reached for books to learn about techniques, movements and signatures. What made Picasso, Picasso? What made Frida Kahlo, Frida Kahlo? What makes Carrie Mae Weems, Carrie Mae Weems?
For these and thousands of other artists, there was/is a desire, an urgency - a sense of, ‘I must get this out into the world or it will die’, or even more dramatically: ‘I must get this out into the world or I will die.’ Others are a little more chill: ‘ I must get this out into the world before I die.’
Either way, there is a sense that something must be created or documented, so that others may see it and learn something about the artist or its subject. Art is something that must be done. It is of the moment.
I think that’s why I’ve always been uneasy with ‘content creation’ - despite the fact that I too take part in it as a way to promote my work. The word content hints at something being consumed or satisfied. The word creation speaks of something being born, not necessarily new, but new to that person.
When put together, the two words hint at someone creating something to be consumed. Their work satisfies a need. But often that need is simply distraction. And that is okay! The world feels so heavy much of the time, who wouldn’t want a beautiful or funny distraction?
Another word that has truly been used and abused since social media began, and particularly during and post-pandemic, is community. Decades ago community might have meant that you knew all your neighbours and the local shopkeeper and hung out at your friend’s house after school. Today it can mean thousands of people gathering online to support or insult someone they have never met. On the positive side, that online community can change lives, save lives and inspire. Many of those online friends can become IRL friends too.
But we know there’s a darkness that can actually take lives too.
There’s also a disconnect. Someone can feel they know you once they’ve followed you for a little while; they can begin to expect that you will be there for them, just like a ‘real friend’. They can begin to expect that you will ‘like’ all of their content or respond to every comment, without considering that maybe you’re living real life outside of the worlds your phone contains.
Today I feel I am much more able to allow content and art to exist in the same space within my mind. As an individual I can do both. I can be the artist and the content creator. But before I go, I feel compelled to say a few things.
Ask yourself, what is in your heart? What do you love?
Ask yourself: am I making this video because so-and-so made a similar one and it went viral?
Ask yourself: if no-one saw my video/photo/art ever again, would I still make it?
Ask yourself what motivates you - is it money, likes, doing what you love?
Tell yourself: what is in my heart matters.
Remind yourself that life is short. If you create from the heart today, how could your life feel or look a year from now?
Let’s discuss?
All of the above is kind of a bullet point version of where my head is at, but I hope some of it makes sense to you. If you have thoughts on anything I’ve said, I’m going to be discussing it further on my TikTok this Friday, 7pm BST, so feel free to tune in and drop a comment or even get involved in the chat itself by requesting to join me - you can find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@charissekenion?_t=8i932UxicCG&_r=1
Below are some links to a few videos that make me feel positive about being proactive as well as dreaming/manifesting…
cbwritescopy on why a third place is important: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGeLfGJDF/
Dr Ewoma on changing your life, for real: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGeLfU1R6/
Modern Day Hippie shares a clip of Victoria Monet encouraging us to be authentic: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGeLfDBGt/
New YouTube show!
Did you know I have a new Youtube show alongside fashion creator Chani Ra? New episode is out Sunday 17th and below is our very first episode! Feel free to like, comment and subscribe!