How to Cultivate the Artist’s Life: A 5-Part Series with Deacon Nicholas Kotar
Created for the LegendFiction 2024 Writing Camp
In the chaos of our modern world, many creators stumble, thinking a good idea is all it takes to spark success. But like any epic tale, true mastery lies far beyond the simple sparks of inspiration. Deacon Nicholas Kotar and Dominic, Founder of LegendFiction, welcome you to a deeper path—one where creativity is a lifelong quest, filled with peril and growth and a real satisfaction.
In this series of short videos, you’ll unlock the secrets of the artist’s life:
The Ancient Path of Body-Mind, Soul, and Spirit: Much like the forgotten lore our world, we’ve lost a crucial part of our being. This isn’t just about body and mind—it’s something more primal and noetic, something that can unleash the full power of your creativity.
Taming the Chaos: The myth of the tortured artist is not a healthy way to create. Deacon Kotar shows you how to embrace the silence, establish boundaries, and master your inner world. Only then can your creativity adventure toward something meaningful.
Crafting Stories That Change Lives: In a world overrun by noise, we need more stories forged with purpose. Like the great sagas of old, there’s a way that some of our art can speak to deeper things, connecting with those who need it most.
The Fellowship of Creators: No hero walks alone. Surround yourself with fellow creators, much like the fellowship of a great house. Together, you’ll find strength, sharpen your craft, and grow in ways you never imagined.
You’re about to embark on an adventure that will shape you, and your world, with every word, every stroke, and every breath. Prepare yourself. The journey begins now.
These videos will premiere during the week of Oct 14-18th, during the Writing Camp.
Creativity, The Realm of Story, & Meaning
Deacon Nicholas Kotar and Dominic (founder of LegendFiction) are diving deep into what it really means to cultivate the artist's life. We kick things off by shaking up the notion that being a creator is all about just having a great idea. How many of us have been there—caught in the chaos of constant content creation, thinking a good story would simply sell itself? But here’s the kicker: this mindset risks turning our art into mere mechanical output, leading to burnout and disconnection.
In today's cultural chaos, a good idea just doesn't cut it anymore. What we need is storytelling that transforms us, that inspires something real. It’s time to rethink our values and focus on creating meaningful connections—not just content for metrics. Writers, in particular, have a unique power to shape meaning through their craft, and that’s where the real magic happens.
Part 1 of the TwoFold Path: The Body-Mind Problem
Step one of being a better artist is to embrace the two-fold path, an ancient Christian metaphor that highlights the journey we all face. We’ve been taught that we're just bodies, minds, and souls, but that's not true. We've lost a third part. We’re a trifecta of body-mind, soul, and... spirit. These three happen all at the same time, and each of them have serious meaning - and impact for your life as an artist.
Creativity isn’t just a solo act; it can also be a divine collaboration, tapping into that 'noetic' part of your soul that connects you to something greater.
Part 2 of the Two Fold Path - Adventures & Cultivation
We’re on an adventure together, exploring what it means to be human. We’ve got three essential components—body-mind, soul, and spirit—that need to work together. The first part of our journey is all about becoming capable humans, and let’s be real: there’s no finish line. Next, we dive into cultivation—think of it like tending to a garden where creativity has its seasons. But here’s the catch: as we try to control our time and energy, we need to stay humble. It’s a balancing act, and too much control can stifle creativity.
We’re encouraged to venture into the unknown, seeking out those hidden gems in the wilderness of ideas. The act of creation isn’t just about the end product; it’s about making conscious choices in how we express ourselves. This journey is a lifelong commitment, one that evolves just like Bilbo’s adventure—each step forward deepens our understanding and sharpens our skills.
Becoming a Competent Human as an Artist
How to cultivate the artist's life starts with becoming a competent human. This isn’t just about picking up random self-help tips; it’s about discerning what truly works for you amidst the noise. It’s uncomfortable to sift through all that information, but that’s where the gold lies.
You can’t just be a creator; you've got to forge your path, and part of that is mastering your own chaos before you can even think about creating something beautiful. Forget the myth that you need to be a tortured soul to produce great art—it's about the process of creativity itself that will change you. Deacon talks about establishing boundaries, embrace silence, and feed your soul with meaningful content.
How to cultivate the Artists' Life
If you're serious about cultivating the artist's life, you need to grasp this: mastering yourself is the gateway to unleashing your creativity. It’s not just about diving into your projects haphazardly; it’s about doing so with intentionality and a solid foundation. Forget the cookie-cutter advice that everyone throws around—what works for one person might tank for you.
This isn’t a solo mission. Surround yourself with a community of like-minded creators, like those in the Story Hearth, where you can share, learn, and grow together. Seek out mentors who’ve walked the path before you, because that’s where the real growth happens.
This series of conversations was recorded for the LegendFiction 2024 Writing Camp. Explore our LegendFiction Writing community!