We must develop respect for life stories and human storytellers in the same way we have oriented ourselves to understand art and artists.

Artwork in Museums : Conversations in Society : Information in the Internet : Books in Libraries

I created Bentime Stories because I knew that I would not be able to capture all of my thoughts, feelings, and ideas in conversations, Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat stories. I also knew that I could not spend my whole day talking to people. This is why I've found this digital medium useful and flexible for myself and others. It allows others the freedom to pick at my stories and thoughts at their convenience within the hectic schedule of their daily lives. This is the beauty of the internet. The internet is like a library. It is full of websites in the same way a library is full of books. Both of these are also like museums which are full of art. These are mediums for storytelling.

I believe that stories and art are never as engaging as a real conversation. You can read all the stories and view all the art you want, but they don't replace getting to understand and know the storyteller and the artist. I am an anthropologist, so I like to learn from other people directly--not just from written text, imagery or art.

While I'd pick a dynamic conversation and engaging discussion over solitary reading, web browsing, and art viewing to understand other people and other storytellers, we need all of them. Conversations in society are just another medium of art to get to know the artist, the human being. This is why we need the internet, libraries, books and conversations. All are different mediums to capture the story and understand the storyteller. This is the art of storytelling and this is the art of life.  At the end of the day, it isn't about the content of the stories or the number of stories told; it's about our existence as storytellers. It doesn't matter how much art you've created, how proud it makes you feel, or how good other people think it is. It is about celebrating your existence as an artist. It is a celebration of all of us as artists of our own lives. Not my story. not your story. But about both of us. It's about cherishing the wonderful world of storytellers, and not just the content of their stories. It's as much about me as it is about you and everyone else.

Art is Not the Artist

If you don't like the art or the story. Leave it at that. The storyteller and the artist is a human just like you and me. For this reason, we are essentially the same. We just want to make art, tell stories and be understood. Remember not focus so much on the art or content of the story because it is really about the artist and the storyteller. It's really about you and me as humans, storytellers, and artists.

There is No Right or Wrong Art

All art is different. Everyone will create their own art and it will have different meanings for others and themselves. There is no right or wrong art. Everything should be appreciated as a product of creativity. Use it as an opportunity to learn about the artist and yourself. This is how we must approach storytelling.

Art is Not Only About Aesthetics

The aesthetics will be the first things that draw you to a piece of art. However, these should not be the only things that make you appreciate and connect with it. Additionally, these should not be the only reasons you dislike it. If they are, you must be mindful and conscious that you do not fully understand the art and therefore you are not in any position to make any useful comments.

This is the same for stories. The pictures and the cover are important. However, these should not be the only things that make you appreciate and connect with the stories. Additionally, these should not be the only things that make you dislike the story. If you haven't read it and don't like the pictures,  Leave it at that with no comment. Be aware that your disinterest is not fully informed.

The Value of Art

There may be some art pieces that have more acclaimed value than others. However, the importance of a work of art is not how much money it is worth, but how it makes each individual feel. You should not pick a piece of art because it is expensive; this will not make you happy. Likewise, money should not be the object of desire for the artist's happiness either. Getting money for your artwork is rewarding, but the bottom line is that the art is an expression of yourself and captures your feelings, thoughts, and life. When you finish a work of art, you feel proud because it is beautiful to you. Money or popularity must be secondary. Money and popularity mean nothing if you don't have people who truly appreciate and connect with your artwork.

Storytelling is very similar. The importance of stories should not be dependent on how many readers it has or how much success it has gained. Instead, we should focus on how deeply it touches each reader. Your stories mean nothing if you have readers who don't really understand. It is normal to want some sort of social impact because you put a lot of work into it; you don't want your stories to be entirely unappreciated because this will make you feel more alone and alienated. This is understandable. I want to help other people too; having readers who understand, care and connect with my messages is important. However we must remember that it is already rewarding for ourselves and that should be one reason for your happiness because the transformation process of thoughts and feelings into a beautiful finished product is priceless. Never confuse quality with quantity. Additionally, it isn't just about the story or artwork you create, but about your existence as a storyteller and artist. This is what truly connects you with the rest of the world in a peaceful and happy way.

You Won't Like All Art

There are some types of art that you don't won't like. Neither their story nor the aesthetics. You don't have to like all types of art! Stories and storytelling is the same! Not everyone is going to find my stories useful. That is okay!

But do not bash art because it's not interesting or relevant to you. The purpose of art is to help foster a meaningful or deep connection. To bash art would be doing the complete opposite. If you don't understand and find yourself disliking a work of art or story, simply leave it at that. Do not ponder about why it costs so much or why so many people like it. Those are not important. What is important is how it makes you feel.

Favorite Types and Styles of Art

You will naturally become more familiar with one type of art. This is the same thing with storytelling. I am more familiar with the stories of the Peter Pan Millennials Generation because this is my cohort.  Likewise, I am also more familiar and have a deeper connection and appreciation for   Contemporary Art. Each person will have their own interests and affinities towards a specific issue and topic.

No Superior Style

Just because I appreciate one type of art more, or am more familiar with challenges amongst Peter Pan Millennials, does not mean that these are the only styles of art and stories that should be created.

There are plenty of different styles of art as well as different stories about adulthood that are important. They need to be told. Like art, my stories only convey a limited amount of information.  No one style of art or story will be enough and it certainly does not make it the best.

Art is Different for Everyone

Stories and art will be different for everyone. This is the beauty of art. This is the beauty of creativity. This is the beauty of happiness. This is the beauty of life. Do not get lost in criticism for the best art, the worst art, cheap art, and expensive art. Art is about how it connects with each individual.