The Call to Create: A Lifelong Journey of Art, Heart, and Purpose

Pen and ink contemporary fine art by Doug Ashby.

Over 15 years ago, I created a piece that has remained a central reflection of my thoughts on human creativity—the brain as the origin point of all imaginative endeavors. In that drawing, I sought to depict the brain as the wellspring from which every idea, every emotional response, takes shape. Though stark in its black and white form, the artwork was never just about the mechanics of thought—it was about capturing the invisible flow from intellect to expression, a process that has only grown more significant to me over time.

What I’ve learned since then is that creativity, or the act of creation, doesn’t emerge from the mind alone. Our hearts play an equally important role in this process. The brain generates ideas, but the heart fuels them with passion and intent. Without the emotional depth that comes from within, art would lack the authenticity and resonance that makes it meaningful. The tendrils extending from the brain in my drawing symbolize this continuous exchange—the way intellectual concepts are colored by emotional depth. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that as an artist, I don’t create simply because I want to; I create because I am called to. It is not a choice, but a necessity.

Art has been, and continues to be, a core part of my existence. I could never have predicted the journey that has unfolded since that brain illustration was made. It’s a path that has taken unexpected turns, but one thing has remained constant: the compulsion to create. In many ways, it feels as though without the act of creation, I would not be living a life of purpose. Art gives meaning to my days, and without it, I’d be lost, struggling to find my place in the world. It’s not simply about skill or technique; it’s about living with integrity—honoring the internal force that demands expression.

Over time, I’ve come to appreciate the delicate balance between intellect and emotion in the creative process. The brain provides structure, discipline, and technical understanding, but it’s the heart that fills each work with life. In my original drawing, the bold lines and flowing forms represent that duality—how artistic vision arises from a mixture of control and surrender. The brain’s form is sharp, deliberate, but the tendrils move freely, echoing how inspiration often arrives unexpectedly, like a current that sweeps us up before we can even comprehend it.

In the years since, my artistic journey has never been about making calculated decisions. It’s been about following an inner voice, responding to an insistent pull that drives me to create. The path has been unpredictable and not always easy, but it’s this process that defines me. Without it, I wouldn’t be living the life I need to live—a life aligned with my values, my passions, and my sense of purpose. The act of creating art is what keeps me grounded; it gives me the ability to express things I can’t convey through words alone.

As I reflect on the piece I made so long ago, I realize that its meaning has deepened for me over time. The connection between intellect and heart—between thought and emotion—is as essential to me now as it was when I first put pen to paper. My journey as an artist is far from over, and as I continue to grow, I’ll keep searching for ways to honor the pull that has guided me for so long. Art, after all, is not something I do—it’s who I am. Without it, I wouldn’t be living a life of meaning, integrity, or purpose.

As always I hope you appreciate the artwork and thoughts. If you’d like to connect please leave a comment and I will get back to you.

Thanks,

Doug