Arcadia: Untouched and Untroubled

We all want a utopia. Many of us find such utopia through art, whatever the art form may be—but where can artists, in turn, find their own utopia? The answer lies in the idea of arcadia, in an artist’s individual space. “Arcadia” designates an idyllic other world, one not yet reached in society; something untouched, untroubled from the pitfalls of humanity.

This idea of arcadia becomes crucial to artists, whose creativity is so often boundless yet constricted by those who are not artists. Artists can find what others seek out in them through their own sense of artistic self and creative license.

There is a significant reason why artists tend to have their own personal studios in which to store art and sit and paint for a while. There is yet another reason why writers similarly tend to embark on month-long retreats into the wilderness, hunkering down in a cabin in the middle of nowhere, far from civilization, to pump out their next work of literature. And of course, there are still reasons why a solid majority of musicians will sometimes take years in between albums to finally release new music.

In order for an artist to properly flourish, emerging from their cocoon into their highest self, a safe space to sit and get creative without probing eyes or arbitrary opinions is paramount. Art cannot be as easily created in spaces where distractions exist, or where the limitations of society withhold us from doing what we love most. 

Art requires locales in which boundaries can be crossed, in which lines can be stepped over, and comfort zones can be expanded. It’s almost akin to the way animals in the wilderness build their own habitats in which to raise a family, to hibernate, and to simply exist without being threatened by external forces. Societal norms and pressures too often stare at in disgust and whisper judgments behind cupped palms held to ears when something “unexpected” arises. Society leaves no room for mistakes. 

But art requires mistakes. It requires the uncomfortable feeling that so frequently accompanies a growing process. When society expects every move we make to be perfect and carefully calculated, it dampens the spirit of artists. Nine times out of ten, art made on the first try is not perfect nor anywhere near it, in any sense of the word. 

Historically, human beings have sought the infamous Garden of Eden; that idea of Arcadia, the ethereal utopia that many believe can never be achieved. Little does everyone know that artists regularly discover arcadia while in the process of creating. While creating art in safe spaces, in safe habitats that do not infringe upon anyone but themselves, they are simultaneously creating an arcadia for themselves and anyone who views their art, as well.  

Strike Out,

Writer: Gillian Bennett

Editor: Lexi Fernandez

Concept: Brianna Bascle, Lindsey Solomon, Alexandra Martin

Photographer: Sophia Quintero

Videographer: Libby Bekins

Model: Mia Permuy

Beauty: Emmali O’Neil

Digital Onsite: Lily Fox

Tallahassee