The concept of "knowing your why" or understanding one's purpose is a fundamental idea in philosophy discussed by many thinkers throughout history. While pinpointing the first philosopher to explicitly discuss this concept is challenging, several ancient philosophers addressed related ideas:
Socrates (470-399 BCE) famously stated, "The unexamined life is not worth living," emphasizing self-reflection and understanding one's motivations.
Aristotle (384-322 BCE) discussed the concept of "telos" or purpose in his work on ethics.
Confucius (551-479 BCE) emphasized understanding one's role in society and living according to moral principles.
Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE) wrote about understanding one's place in the universe and living in accordance with nature.
In modern times, Simon Sinek popularized the phrase "know your why" in his 2009 book "Start With Why." However, the underlying concept has roots in much older philosophical traditions.
At Wicked Rae's studio, we apply this concept directly to the creative process and personal expression through art. Our question, "Why are you here?" becomes a gateway to self-discovery and storytelling, aligning with existential philosophy's emphasis on creating meaning through choices and actions.
Our philosophy embraces:
Art as self-expression: This echoes the ideas of philosophers like John Dewey, who saw art as a form of experience and a means of communication.
Inclusivity in art: By emphasizing that art doesn't need to meet societal standards of "good," Wicked Rae's aligns with postmodern philosophical views that challenge traditional hierarchies and value systems in art.
Process over product: The focus on sketchbooks as a means of exploration rather than finished pieces resonates with the philosophy of Henri Bergson, who valued intuition and process over fixed states.
Art as therapy: The idea that creating art can relieve stress or aid in reconnecting with others aligns with art therapy principles, which have roots in psychoanalytic theory.
Neurodiversity and creativity: Acknowledging how art can provide a relaxing space for neurodivergent minds connects with contemporary philosophical discussions about cognition, consciousness, and the nature of the mind.
Personal narrative: The emphasis on telling one's story through art relates to narrative philosophy, which sees personal identity as constructed through the stories we tell about ourselves.
By framing the artistic experience in terms of "knowing your why," we create a space where philosophical self-reflection meets creative expression. Our mission is to provide "a door that allows you to enter to explore the full you," encouraging a deeper understanding of yourself and your place in the world through art.
So tell us, "What is your why?"
If you haven't visited our studio yet, grab your pencils or paints and start creating. When you do visit, bring your sketchbook and share your stories with us.
Have a safe and beautiful holiday weekend!
Looking for something fun to do? Come throw paint at a canvas, bring your hoodies and clothes to paint, furniture to paint, or try out our new pendulum painting! Stay tuned as we continue to add new experiences.
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