Language is an interesting concept to me. Sounds and noises form words, cadence and emphasis form tone, and we grow in our knowledge of these sounds, noises, and tones as we grow older. Language binds those who speak the same one together – and divides those who don’t.

I’ve always wished that I was bilingual because I often times notice small situations where I could make someone feel more seen or perhaps even enjoy the company of a stranger if I could just speak their language.

I actually envy those in my life that can speak multiple languages fluently. It feels as if I’m looking at someone use a supernatural ability when they instantly speak in a way that someone who can’t understand me, understands them. I feel inspired to go learn on my own every time I witness it. I believe that we’ve grown too fond of the concept of being bilingual – I think that every person should feel heavily inclined to learn different languages, and not just languages used to host conversation with others. I’m referring to the various forms of communication as a means of language.

Spanish has a lot of use cases where I live, but I’d love to know how to speak French or German even though I have no reason to know those languages. Or perhaps I do have good reason and I’m just not attentive yet due to my lack of awareness. This is my thought process with creative language.

Attention fosters awareness. Yes – there is a difference. I am aware of different things at all times. But few things actually have my attention. Attention sparks a fire that awareness fans to keep alive. This is important to keep in mind but it’s not the focal point of this installment to The Newsletter.

The point I’m trying to get across is simple. Mediums = Language.

Every artistic medium has a language that it belongs with. Furniture design will have a different encyclopedia of its own that cartoonists will never have. Contemporary art has lingo and sense humor of its own that ballet dancing couldn’t possibly understand. A film director wouldn’t grasp why the chef moves the way he does because he can’t speak that artistic language.

It’s a fascinating reality when you dwell on the fact that we have an insurmountable amount of learning experiences waiting for us to chip away at them. A fearful creative would wince at the thought of changing his strategy and approach because they’ve grown comfortable speaking one language – fighting the same battle and feeling like they’re winning. A zealous creative will realize that their tool belt has too many empty slots. It makes them uncomfortable to see possibility with no means of achievement.

Just like I couldn’t speak to a stranger in my city without knowing their language, a creator couldn’t get his message across without displaying his or her work in a language that is familiar to the consumer. It’s not the artists responsibility to learn how to make art in 15 different mediums — obviously. It’s up to us as individuals to expand our artistic vocabulary on our own, which in turn enables more art to be interpreted. But consider the fact that a large percentage of people who enjoy art, will not exercise their ability to translate art. This is why it’s important as a creative to understand the value in speaking different languages, while specializing in one. Someone might not have a firm grasp on abstract art because they are so fluent in interpreting/consuming oil paintings. This goes both ways.

I’m speaking from attention and awareness to the reality that almost everyone loves some kind of art but can only do the equivalent of counting to 10 in Spanish when it comes to translating it.

I’m also assuming that by subscribing to The Newsletter, you’re creative. Or at least feel an urge to learn and have conversation around these thoughts — and for that I’m thankful. But as creatives we must trouble ourselves with this question… What languages could we speak to strangers with?

— C