The Case for Making Art When the World Feels on Fire
Lately, it feels like every time I open my phone, the news is overwhelming. Climate disasters, political chaos, wars, social unrest — it's enough to make anyone feel small, powerless, and guilty for spending time doing anything "frivolous".
But recently, I watched an incredible TEDx talk by Amie McNee called "The Case for Making Art When the World is on Fire," and it completely reframed how I think about making art in hard times. Spoiler: she argues that creativity isn't selfish or indulgent — it's exactly what the world needs right now.
Here's the video if you'd like to watch before reading on (and I highly recommend you do):
After watching, I felt so inspired -and honestly a little called out- that I had to share my thoughts with you.
Why We Feel Guilty for Creating
Amie starts by calling out the narrative we've all heard before: that creativity is for children, for retirees, for people with "too much free time". That it's indulgent. Frivolous. Maybe even selfish.
Sound familiar? I can't tell you how many times I've sat down to stitch and thought, "I should really be doing something more productive right now…"
But Amie argues that this way of thinking is actively harming us. Creativity is not optional — it's essential.
Creativity as a Missing Pillar of Self-Development
We live in a culture obsessed with self-improvement: fitness challenges, meditation apps, productivity hacks, meal planning. But when was the last time someone told you to spend 20 minutes just… making something?
Amie shared a fascinating study where participants spent 45 minutes simply making art -skill level didn't matter- and their cortisol levels (the stress hormone) dropped dramatically.
That hit me hard. Cross-stitch has always been my go-to when I'm anxious or overwhelmed (but not only when I'm feeling that way, of course), but hearing that there's actual science backing up its calming effect makes me want to schedule my stitching time as seriously as I schedule exercise or sleep.
Art Gives Us Agency
When the world feels chaotic, creativity reminds us that we do have some control. Whether I'm designing a new pattern or just stitching someone else's, I get to make choices, create something tangible, and see the result of my effort.
Amie calls this "becoming the god of your own little realm". Isn't that a beautiful way to put it?
Art Is Activism
This was one of my favourite points she made. Art isn't just decoration — it can move people in ways legislation and statistics sometimes can't.
Think about it: protest banners, murals, songs, even a funny meme — they've all played roles in shaping culture and history. Your art doesn't have to be political to have impact. Every time you create, you are taking up space, using your voice, and leaving something behind that might inspire someone else.
A Human Antidote in the Age of AI
Like many of you, I've wondered what the future of art looks like in a world where AI can make images, write stories, and compose music. But Amie reminded me that the real power of art isn't in perfection — it's in the humanity behind it.
Our stitches, our mistakes, our quirks — they're what make what we create ours.
Your Legacy Matters
Amie ended her talk with a powerful question: What do you want to leave behind?
For me, I want to leave behind my patterns, my stitched pieces, and hopefully a trail of other stitchers who found joy because I encouraged them to pick up a needle.
Even if you never share your work online, your art can become part of your legacy — recipes passed down to your children, a quilt that wraps a loved one, a cross-stitch that hangs in your hallway for decades.
We Need Your Art
If there's one thing I hope you take from this post (and from Amie's talk), it's this: your art matters.
Making art is not selfish. It is generous. It's a way to process the world, to bring beauty into it, and to connect with others.
So here's my challenge:
Take 20 minutes today -just 20 minutes- to create something. Stitch a few rows, doodle on a scrap of paper, write a silly poem, hum a song into your phone, make up a fun dance. Then come back and tell me what you made, and how you feel.
✨ We need your art. ✨
