Self expression?

If art is about self- expression, then the expression of ‘self’ is the dharma of an artist. To express without limiting oneself with the medium of expression is a natural process an artist is bound to follow, especially if one can connect with various mediums. For a long time, I have convinced myself that it’s the visual that is my language and not the words, obvious reason being too laid back to work on my writing skills. But sometimes artists need to speak and express themselves verbally, for there is a chance that the dialogue might be lost in interpretation. However, I do not like to call myself an artist yet as I have a long way to go to achieve that complete manifestation of ‘self’ through art.

Many times, I wonder if we humans really know the meaning of “self”? and where comes the expression of this entity (self) that is still unknown to many of the individuals? Probably much of the expression is the expression of mind, persona or the intellect which is misidentified as ‘self’ most of the time. 

The search and manifestation of ‘self’ remains as the nucleus of my work.

I enjoy reading these lines by Gibran time and again for the beauty his words create and sums it all.

“Like the ocean is your god-self;

It remains for ever undefiled.

And like the ether, it lifts but the winged.

Even like the sun is your god-self;

It knows not the ways of the mole nor seeks it the holes of the serpent.

But your god-self does not dwell alone in your being.

Much in you is still man, and much in you is not yet man,

But a shapeless pigmy that walks asleep in the mist searching for its own awakening…”

-       Kahlil Gibran