The case for making art when the world is on fire

When we look closely at what McNee argues in her TEDx talk — that creating art is essential, healing, connective, and meaningful even when the world is “on fire” — every one of those themes aligns powerfully with the archetype of The Empress. 🎨 1. Creation as Life Force The Empress embodies creativity, fertility, and the generative impulse — the urge to bring something new into existence. McNee doesn’t present art as decorative or optional; she frames creativity as a vital part of how we respond and adapt to an overwhelming, stressful world. Making art is a human instinct — an act of giving life and meaning — much like The Empress nurtures growth in nature and spirit. 🤝 2. Nurturing Self and Others Part of The Empress’ energy is nurturing — toward self, community, and shared experience. McNee emphasizes that art deeply affects well-being: it lowers stress, gives agency, builds connection, and reminds us of our shared humanity. In a burning world, art becomes a way to care for ourselves and generously offer something that sustains others emotionally and spiritually. 🌎 3. Anchoring Meaning in Turbulence The Empress archetype doesn’t just create — she anchors meaning and beauty in a sometimes harsh environment. McNee’s talk reframes art as a grounding force: creative acts give people back their sense of purpose, agency, and emotional calm when they otherwise feel overwhelmed or powerless. This aligns with The Empress as a stabilizing, reassuring presence amid turmoil. 💫 4. Generosity and Legacy Finally, The Empress represents the abundant giving of one’s gifts — a legacy of creative abundance. McNee encourages creatives not to hide their gifts but to share them with the world because art heals, connects, and persists beyond the moment. This echoes the Empress’s fruitfulness: what is nurtured and shared enriches life and culture.