Worlds collide, and I sign paintings

I have just framed, signed, and titled three paintings for a juried exhibition coming up soon, and hope to have at least one of them accepted for the exhibition. I took some photos as well, so in either case I will display them here eventually (must get a better camera... ).

Framing and signing paintings is not very rewarding, nor can it be classified as very important work. Of course, the impression of the artwork is greatly improved by the frames, and if watching art has any value at all, I dare say it has now been increased.

Producing art is a truly weird thing, and I suspect most artist regularly question the value and meaning of it. The thing is that once the basic needs have been taken care of we are supposed to aim for things like creativity, fulfillment etc - at least according to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.
I believe that's the problem for most people. The invisibility of inner growth, and inner fulfillment simply can't be displayed or measured very well. If we build a sun porch, or add an extra floor to our house, the achievement is clearly visible to all. And if we eat more expensive food, wear more expensive clothes and so on, we also experience a verifiable change. The thing is, we are then only expanding the basic needs.


Worlds Collide - Acrylics on Canvas - 55 x 38 cm - Niklas J Brandow

Inner transformation, happiness, love, harmony, and similar aims are not achieved as easily, and should we attain them, our neighbors will not see them (as clearly). An uncertain path, with an uncertain destination, await those who wish to climb further up Maslow's pyramid.
So, does adding paint to a canvas really lead anywhere? There are real problems out there in the world, and you stand here smearing paint? Get a job! Inner and outer worlds - don't they all collide?