We Must Adventure in Order to Know Where We Truly Belong
~Irish Proverb
The ancient Irish proverb, “We must adventure in order to know where we truly belong,” speaks to the universal truth that personal growth, self-discovery, and fulfillment often require stepping into the unknown. In the context of artists, surface designers, and all creative professionals, this proverb carries a deep resonance. Creativity itself is an adventure — an exploration of new ideas, techniques, and forms of expression that continually push boundaries. Yet, as the proverb suggests, at some point in this journey, we must “belong” — we must find a space, a purpose, and a community where we can cultivate our identity and contribute meaningfully to the world.
The Creative Adventure
For many artists and designers, the early stages of their careers are marked by exploration. Much like the proverbial adventurer, they wander through a landscape filled with possibilities, uncertainty, and discovery. It’s not uncommon for emerging creatives to experiment with different mediums, styles, and concepts in an effort to uncover their true artistic voice. In this phase, there are often moments of doubt, frustration, and confusion. But these are also the moments of breakthrough — the times when new techniques or ideas emerge unexpectedly, and creative passion is reignited.
This adventure is not just about refining one’s technical skills but about learning to navigate the world of creativity itself. What do we love to create? What moves us? What do we want to say through our work? These questions are fundamental to any creative journey, whether you’re a painter, a surface designer, a graphic artist, or a sculptor. The adventure involves stepping outside of comfort zones, seeking inspiration from different cultures, industries, and disciplines, and, in many cases, failing and learning along the way.
But just as an adventurer cannot wander forever without purpose, creative professionals too eventually need to find their footing — a sense of belonging, a place where their unique talents are recognized, celebrated, and nurtured. This is where the second part of the proverb comes into play: “At some point we must belong.”
The Search for Belonging
Belonging in the creative world can take on many forms. For some, it might mean discovering a specific style or niche that feels true to their identity. For others, it may be about connecting with a community of like-minded individuals who share similar passions, struggles, and goals. As creatives, we often start by seeking validation from external sources, whether it’s through commissions, gallery shows, or social media followers. But true belonging goes beyond external approval — it’s about finding a space where you feel grounded and understood, where you can express yourself authentically without the constant pressure to conform.
The process of finding this sense of belonging can be just as complex as the adventure itself. For surface designers, for example, the journey often involves understanding how their designs interact with different materials, markets, and cultural trends. They may experiment with fabric, wallpaper, or digital patterns, each time refining their understanding of how to communicate their vision effectively. As they do this, they come to understand where their designs feel most at home. Do their patterns work best in high-end home décor? Do they have a more playful or bold aesthetic suited to children’s products? Belonging here is not about limiting one’s creativity but rather understanding where one’s creative output can be most impactful and appreciated.
Similarly, visual artists may embark on a journey of stylistic discovery, moving through phases of abstraction, realism, or conceptual work, only to realize that their true “home” lies in a particular combination of techniques or themes. This is a critical moment in an artist’s career: the realization that, while the adventure of exploration may never end, there is a place where their work feels “right,” where it resonates not only with themselves but also with an audience.
The Role of Community and Collaboration
Belonging is not just about individual self-expression. It is also deeply tied to community. The creative world is inherently collaborative, whether you are working with clients, fellow artists, or designers. The people around us shape our practice, offering feedback, encouragement, and inspiration that helps refine our vision. Being part of a community where your work is appreciated and understood adds another layer of depth to the notion of belonging.
For many artists and designers, belonging also means being part of a larger movement or cause — one that aligns with their personal values and creative goals. This could be through working with sustainable materials, contributing to social justice movements through art, or creating designs that promote inclusivity and diversity. When creativity aligns with purpose, the sense of belonging becomes not just personal but collective.
Conclusion: The Journey Continues
“We must adventure in order to know where we truly belong.” For artists, surface designers, and all creative professionals, this journey of adventure and belonging is lifelong. The adventure is about discovery, experimentation, and constantly pushing the limits of creativity. But belonging is equally important — it is the place where we can ground ourselves, refine our unique voice, and find our community. And just as our creative journey never truly ends, neither does our sense of belonging — it is always evolving, shaped by new experiences, new connections, and new insights.
Ultimately, while adventure is essential for creative growth, the need to belong is what sustains us. It provides the foundation upon which we can continue to build, grow, and contribute to the ever-expanding world of art and design. So, while we must wander to discover where we fit, we must also make space for ourselves to belong, knowing that in this place, we can create our truest and most impactful work.
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