Sally Hawkins: 'You do your bit and then you hope for the best and you think, oh I hope there's an audience at the end of the day.'

You do your bit and then you hope for the best and you think, oh I hope there's an audience at the end of the day.

Sally Hawkins, an accomplished actress known for her captivating performances, once shared an insightful quote that resonates with many creatives in various fields: "You do your bit and then you hope for the best and you think, oh I hope there's an audience at the end of the day." This simple yet profound statement summarizes the essence of the creative journey, where individuals invest their time, energy, and passion into their work, hoping that it will be appreciated and embraced by an audience.At its core, the quote highlights the uncertainty that often accompanies the creative process. No matter how dedicated and talented one may be, there is always a lingering question mark regarding how their creation will be received. It reflects the vulnerability and shared experience of creators across different industries – whether it be writers, artists, actors, musicians, or any other form of creative expression. It is the emotional investment in their work that drives them forward, nourished by the hope that their creations will find an appreciative audience.Interestingly, Hawkins' quote also opens the door to exploring a philosophical concept known as existentialism – a school of thought that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and the absence of inherent meaning or purpose in life. By juxtaposing this quote with existentialism, we introduce an unexpected and intriguing contrast that invites deeper contemplation.Existentialism puts forth the idea that individuals are ultimately responsible for creating meaning in their lives. They are encouraged to embrace freedom, make choices, and craft their own path. In the context of creative endeavors, this means that artists, writers, and performers must confront the existential reality that their work may not always receive the recognition they desire. However, rather than succumbing to despair or disillusionment, they can choose to find meaning in the very act of creation itself.The connection between Hawkins' quote and existentialism lies in the intersection of hope and personal agency. Despite the uncertainty of finding an audience, creators must cultivate a sense of agency and continue to pour their hearts into their work. This resonates with the existential notion of embracing freedom and responsibility. By focusing on their own contribution – doing their bit – they exercise personal agency and affirm their existence through the act of creation.Moreover, the emphasis on hope within Hawkins' quote aligns with another existential concept – the importance of embracing the absurd. The absurd refers to the inherent conflict between a human's search for meaning and the irrationality and randomness of the world. In the creative realm, this can manifest as the stark contrast between the effort poured into a creation and the uncertain outcome of finding an audience. Yet, despite this dichotomy, hope serves as a driving force that allows artists to transcend the absurd and persist in their creative pursuits.In summary, Sally Hawkins' quote encapsulates the very essence of the creative process. It highlights the vulnerability and uncertainty that creators face, as they invest their time and energy into their work, with the hope of finding an appreciative audience. By introducing the unexpected philosophical concepts of existentialism, we further explore the significance of personal agency, embracing the struggles of finding meaning in the act of creation, and the transformative power of hope. Ultimately, this quote serves as a reminder for all creatives: to continue doing their bit, nurturing their passions, and embracing the uncertainty that accompanies the pursuit of their artistic endeavors.