I’m not sure what it is that gets patched when I film myself drawing and then edit and publish an Instagram Reel of it. Why does just the act of creating a Reel make me feel like I’m beeing seen? Why does it make me feel like I’ve contributed something to the world?
That sounds very grand to say. After all, it’s just a 90-second video – why would it bring the edges of the void that gapes within all of us any closer?
It’s just a 90-second video among a billion 90-second videos – why would it smoothen the ridges of life, of humanity that we trip over every single day any more than the caress of a whitecollar worker’s palm can even the foot of a mountain?
I think the answer lies in the smallness of all of it: this is a small piece of art, a humble process to bring beauty to the world, a tiny effort from me to share my vision and vulnerability. Both the starting point and the outcome show my personal void; the process shows my hand putting the tiny world within the picture into order.
My Reels get a modest amount of views, a handful of likes, barely any comments. But they are a tiny part of my day, my artistic practice, my honesty. I they bring joy to me, I hope they bring joy to you, too.
Does any of this resonate with you? I’d love to hear if you create content out of your art, and if you feel it’s part of the process or “only” content creation.
If you’d like to join that journey, check out my Instragram @nilukka.
Nilukka 