Of love and courage

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Art immortalizes humans - The creator and the muse. It is the single most intangible legacy. More than material possessions collected as precious treasure, passed on from one generation to the other, the things humans envision in their minds, create with their bare hands and leave on this planet leave a mark so indelible that the echoes remain for centuries to follow.

I am sure Shakespeare and Beethoven were just enjoying their talent come to fruition when they made those masterpieces. Who knew that centuries later, you and I would be studying them in school, and listening to the remixed music on Ig reels!

Why have these thoughts possessed my head? I was listening to music, the playlist shuffling songs without much of my volition. A song started playing, deep baritone voice on a piano ballad. It’s someone I never got to know any more than a passing acquaintance. I have been more of a fan than a friend. The song hits hard every time I hear it. Why you ask? It was his swan song. Unintentional, but he passed away at twenty-two. A freak accident took an artist to the heavens, leaving the earth with everything he left behind, everything he chose to leave out into this world.

I loved his music when he was alive, it hits the depths of my soul now knowing that he is no more and that was the last of what the world could hear. I think of Matthew Perry, Andre Braugher, Robin Williams…there are many more, but only they come to mind right now. All of them have moved on to lands unknown, but the art they left behind will forever be etched deep in the hearts of generations to come, even those who maybe are not even born yet.

But what is the point I am trying to make in all of this? Does art only matter if the artist turns famous? Would it really matter if only a handful of people experience the art created by someone? Well, I believe, everyone is an artist. Everyone is capable of creating something that is solely their brainchild and leaving it out into this world for the people around them to cherish.

I am reminded of my grandfather every time I enter my ancestral home. He carved out the intricate designs on the teak door with his own bare hands. My ammachi has passed away but the taste of her paal kaapi still waters my mouth.

How many of us try to put our music, our paintings, our musings, and our writings out there? How many of us share our recipes, our letters, and our jugaad with the people in our lives?

Creation is an act of love, sharing our creations with the world, an act of courage.

We might not change the world, but we just might make someone’s day. So put yourself out there, write that story, sing that song, paint that picture, write that code! Do what makes you happy and let people see it, knowing that when we create, footprints are etched on the rock of time not in the sand of life.


*This is in memory of Sheil Sagar - musician, performer, friend <3

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