On Minimalism

If you’ve followed my writing journey, you know I like the idea of minimalism. But I want to set the record straight concerning what minimalism is.

First, minimalism is not a lifestyle. Period. You might live simply, perhaps economically and environmentally-friendly. But that’s not minimalism. Minimalism is a specific form used in architecture, art, photography, music, and writing. A sparsely-decorated home is quite possibly a form of minimalism, but it’s the aesthetic of it that makes it minimalist, not your lifestyle.

Do I prefer to live small and with less stuff than the average Joe? Yes. Does that make me a minimalist. No. It just means I understand the value of living with fewer things.

Creating music with a repetitive beat and very little melodic structure, however, is a practice in minimalism. Writing poetry that uses the fewest words possible to relate meaning is minimalism in writing. Photography that focuses on a single subject could be considered minimalist.

Simple living is a lifestyle. Minimalism is an art form.

I attempt both, however, I’m much more interested in the art of the matter. – dse

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Author: Dan Steven Erickson

Dan Steven Erickson is a great undiscovered American songwriter.