In an era of noise, it increasingly seems to me that leaving nothing behind would not be that bad. We live in a capitalist world, where we are told to create, to make money (mostly for others), and to leave our mark somehow. Just existing isn't usually accepted as a valid path, but it may be best that the endless search for what society recognises as value.
I think of Frida, Sinéad, Greta, and so many others who contributed so much to the world that I don't even need to mention their last names for us to recognise them. How am I supposed to ever live up to that standard? If I don't, it won't be long until I am forgotten. Will my existence as an artist ever be worth it?
My art will probably not get too far. I'm too busy living my life to chase stardom and I'm too used to rejection to believe it will ever come easily to me. I don't mind that really. If my art is born from self-expression, it doesn't matter who gets to see it. And if I put it out there and it influences someone else's life, it has already surpassed its initial purpose, hasn't it?
I reckon my legacy will be short-lived. Without kids, some nieces and nephews will have the burden of getting rid of all my creations. They probably won't even read the dozens of stories and books on my computer. My paintings will be recycled when possible. That's OK. They will have served their purpose long before then. It will then be time for another world-anonymous artist to take the small empty spot I leave behind.
