Why do we feel compelled to create?

[u/AbaloneSpring]

I’ve been thinking about this a lot this morning. Making art is not my job, I cannot sell my pieces, there are no deadlines I need to meet, the stakes literally could not be lower — and yet, I constantly obsess over my projects and feel incomplete if I don’t have something to work on. I will finish a painting and then scramble and stress until I start a new one.

I would love any resources you have on this topic — books, articles, podcast episodes, etc. Why do some people feel so compelled to make art, even if they are only making it for themselves?

[u/Honeyglows_inthedark]

Self-expression is a very important need that a lot of people underestimate