What is a Creative Work Really About?
In his book How To Be An Artist, Jerry Saltz makes the distinction between art’s subject matter and its content. The subject matter is what a piece is about, the content is what the piece is about. The subject matter of a painting, for example, might be a person sitting quietly on a stone. The content is contemplation, stillness, inner-knowing, or the timelessness of questioning.
My Own Example
It got me thinking about what the subject matter vs. content is for my own work, this blog, for example. On the surface, it is a book reading challenge (to read 52 books in 2025 to see how my life improves). That is the subject matter. But what is the content? Why is it important for me to create it?
One underlying theme of this blog is authenticity. I have talked previously about how I don’t have many places in my life to put my authentic thoughts down, this blog is a place where I can do that. Having such a place has boosted my mood so much.
Another theme of this blog’s content is searching. I am looking for better: better relationships, better self-expression, better mood, better health, etc. I want this blog to be a means of expansion.
This blog also contains themes of questioning. I like having a place where I can ask questions without the immediate external expectation of having to answer them. It allows me to speak out-loud unspoken thoughts which are not fully formed. This is a big reason for this blog’s authenticity. No pressure. Instead of fully-formed thoughts, it can include quiet inner musings.
Another content theme of this blog is passion. I am relearning my passions. I love books, and so reading them has given great structure to my blogging. I love writing (but forgot that I did) and that too is helping to reignite the feeling of passion.
I talk a lot about mental health in this blog. I think the combination of passion and authenticity is what is helping improve this for me. I genuinely enjoy creating this blog. Each blog post is like a free meditation. I like where I end up mentally after I write.
Messy Bun Book Lover
(Originally posted on May 3, 2025)
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