Call of the Wild


February 27, 2025


In the hustle and bustle of life, surrounded by societal expectations, trends, and external noise, it’s easy to forget the most important guide you have on your artistic journey: your own inner voice. This voice, often described as an inner calling or a creative intuition, can be your greatest ally in becoming a successful artist. But, much like the wilds of nature, it’s not always easy to hear or follow.

The Wildness of Creativity

Imagine standing in the middle of a dense forest. The path ahead is unclear, and the sounds of nature—birds chirping, wind rustling through the trees, and leaves crunching underfoot—are almost overwhelming. But amidst all this, if you quiet yourself and listen carefully, you may hear a subtle whisper guiding you. This is much like the creative process.

The creative mind is wild, untamed, and constantly evolving. It can be unpredictable, chaotic, and full of surprises, much like the call of the wild. However, beneath that wildness lies an inherent direction, an inner voice that knows where to go next. When you’re truly connected with this voice, your art becomes a manifestation of your most authentic self, unburdened by the need for approval, the desire to conform, or the pressure of outside influence.

What is Your Inner Voice?

Your inner voice isn’t necessarily some mystical or magical presence; it’s your own intuition, feelings, and desires. It’s that gut feeling that tells you when a piece of art is working or when it’s time to step away and let it rest. It’s the quiet whisper urging you to explore new techniques, take risks, or push boundaries. It’s a personal, often subconscious guide that, when followed, leads to deeper self-expression.

For artists, the inner voice is a critical resource. It tells you what resonates with you, what excites you, and what you should focus on. It helps you make decisions that feel right, even when they may seem unconventional to others. Following this voice doesn’t mean ignoring feedback or constructive criticism; it simply means that you trust your own instincts above all else, knowing that your creativity stems from a very personal and unique space.

Rewards of Following Your Inner Voice

When you listen to and follow your inner voice, the rewards are profound. You create art that feels meaningful and true to yourself. You build a stronger connection to your creativity, which leads to greater satisfaction and fulfillment. And, over time, your authenticity and boldness will shine through your work, attracting an audience that resonates with your vision.

Following your inner voice also cultivates a deeper sense of freedom in your artistic journey. You no longer feel bound by trends or others' expectations. Instead, you are guided by your inner compass, forging your own path and trusting that it will lead you exactly where you need to go.

Trusting the Call of the Wild

The call of the wild is your inner voice urging you to embrace your authentic self and follow the path that only you can walk. When you listen to this call, you open yourself up to endless creative possibilities. The more you trust and follow your inner voice, the more you will unlock the true potential of your art, your creativity, and ultimately, your success.

The Christopher Mudgett archive collection is the only one in the world to present the artist’s up-to-date painted, sculpted, engraved and illustrated œuvre and a precise record—through sketches, studies, drafts, notebooks, photos, books, films and documents—of the creative process.
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