A thought I had –

We’re all somewhat familiar with the predictable movie trope where we see an athlete, dancer, or main character who’s gifted and excels at what they do get a big opportunity but at the cost of leaving something they love behind. The opportunity is great but it spawns a plethora of conflict both internal and external because it’s so significant to the main character – they’ve worked hard at their passion but it’s difficult to advance onto the next thing because it means leaving their roots behind to pursue the future of their craft.

Perhaps one of my favorite clichés in film, using the classic “sports movie” genre as an example – is when we get to see a cinematic depiction of an athlete or a coach standing on the field in complete aloneness as they contemplate, and reminisce on all of the memories, both good and bad, that were created in that season of life. As viewers, we get a sense that they’re attached to this field like a child attached to its mothers womb. Its nurtured them, shaped them into who they are, and seen the player at their lowest points. It’s the place where they retreat because it’s a place where they feel most in tune with their craft. It’s the sanctuary that they run to when they need to be on familiar battle grounds. It’s the home field.

Thinking about this makes me desire that same feeling in my own respective field.

What is my home field?
Does it exist for artists?
For photographers?
For directors and filmmakers?
For designers?
If so, how do we know when to graduate to the bigger and better place when opportunity arises?

Most importantly, where do artists go when they need to retreat?