The Sacred Call to Create: Rick Rubin on Art as Devotion

I’ve been making and starting things for a long time. Books, talks, art, poems, a couple of nonprofits, and businesses.

Over the years, I have learned that most people who want to make things, or start something, often fail before they begin.

They look at the potential of their idea, or what kind of audience they may gather, or potential revenue. Forgetting and not realizing a mindset is what's holding them back. To be honest, it took me quite a while to learn this lesson too.

Rick Rubin, a legendary figure in music and creativity, has a way of distilling profound truths into simple, powerful statements. He said recently in an interview, “Making art is devotional. If you are making it for God, there is nothing higher or better” (my paraphrase).

He then said this about greatness, “I just realized what greatness is. It's devotional. It's a gift to the universe. It's a gift to God.”

These insights encapsulate the sacred nature of artistic creation, a process that transcends mere skill or ambition, and moves us beyond revenue, likes, and follows.

And when we talk about “art,” this doesn’t mean only those who paint on canvas, dance, or make films. I’m speaking in the broader sense of what our offering is in the world. Our contribution whether writing books, or building out curriculum for school districts.

More of what Seth Godin likes to say:

“An artist is someone who uses bravery, insight, creativity, and boldness to challenge the status quo. And an artist takes it personally.”

So if we want to do great work in the world, and contribute, and challenge the status quo, it will require a shift in mindset, and a shift in the heart.

When our “art” becomes an act of devotion—a way of engaging with something greater than ourselves. Everything changes. All pressure is off.

The art we’re making is no longer about the Holy Trinity of me, myself, and I. Our art becomes wrapped up in something greater. It becomes an offering, a gift, something we give as a devotional act.

For some, that “something greater” is the Divine. For others, it might be the collective unconscious, the mysteries of nature, or the unyielding pursuit of truth.

Regardless of one’s belief system, approaching art with a devotional mindset elevates it beyond the realm of self-expression or entertainment. We move beyond the surface level of dollars, cents, bottom lines, and followers and likes.

Our art becomes an offering, a prayer, or even a dialogue with the infinite.

Rubin’s words remind us that when we create for something higher—whether we call it God, the universe, or the creative force itself—we access a deeper well of inspiration and purpose.

This perspective challenges us to rethink our motivations, encouraging us to move away from a purely results-driven approach and embrace the purity of the creative act itself.

Everything changes when our art is offered in humility as a gift to the world.

The Sacred Energy of Devotional Art

Art, created as a devotional act, carries a unique energy with it. It’s not about impressing an audience or achieving perfection; it’s about connection—to the work, to the self, and to the divine.

When artists approach their craft with humility and reverence, and realize even having the ability to make, say, or create things is a gift, a mystery, their work often has a universality and timeliness to it.

Think of certain songs, paintings, or stories still resonating with the culture fifty, a hundred, or thousands of years later:

They were often crafted with the fingerprints of devotion, of an artist who dared to serve something greater than themselves.

This approach to art will require surrender. To create as an offering, prayer, or gift to the world means relinquishing control over how the work is received. Likes, follows, sales, and crowd size are not important here.

The work and the art are all that matter.

What reactions it generates are not essential. They often become a hindrance.
I think of a writer friend who likes to say, "Keep the marketing wing out of the creating wing of the office."

In this way of making and working, the process transforms into a spiritual practice, refining not only the art but also the artist.

Rubin’s perspective invites us to see the act of creation as a sacred ritual, one that aligns us with a higher purpose and fosters a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world.

Letting Go of Perfection

One of the greatest barriers to creating devotional art is the fear of imperfection. In a culture that often puts a premium on flawlessness, it's difficult to embrace the messy, unpredictable nature of the creative process.

I’m convinced, the reason people never build the business, finish the novel, or start the nonprofit is because of perfection. The god of flawlessness.

Yet, as Rubin’s words suggest, greatness lies not in perfection but in intention. And besides, nothing is perfect. Rubin often speaks of making records with clients and leaving in the imperfections. The unpleasant notes and wrong chords in the music. It gives an honesty to the work.

Nobody is perfect, no piece of art is flawless, and only the Divine is pure in every way.

When we create art as devotion, for an audience of One, the imperfections in our work become part of its beauty, reflecting the authenticity and humanity of the artist.

Letting go of perfection also means embracing vulnerability. Creating devotional art requires us to open ourselves up, to pour our deepest truths into our work, and to trust that this act of courage matters.

People may not like what we made. The piece of art may flop, and nobody seems to care. But when done in the posture of devotion, prayer, and a gift.

We’ve already won.

Any awards, money, or raving fans is a nice byproduct, but not the main game we're playing.

When our art is devotional, we are changed in the process.

Finding Meaning in the Creative Process

For many artists, the act of creating is as important as the finished work. I wrote a novel years ago and didn’t realize it was a way to heal from the death of our daughter.

When we approach our craft with a devotional mindset, the process itself becomes a source of meaning, fulfillment, and often healing. It’s an opportunity to connect with something greater, to explore our inner-self, souls, and to express truths, and make things otherwise remaining dormant.

This focus on the process rather than the product can be liberating, allowing us to create freely without the weight of expectations or judgments.

We simply come to the blank page, canvas, or studio with ourselves, and gifts, and God, and ask: what does this piece of art need to be?

Setting intentions before starting a creative project can help cultivate this mindset. Taking a moment of quiet to reflect on why we create and what we hope to offer through our work can align our efforts with our highest values.

Whether it’s a prayer, meditating on Scripture, journaling, or simply a moment of stillness, these practices can ground us in the present and remind us of the sacredness of our craft.

Remind us, there is more going on here than we are often aware.

The Ripple Effect of Devotional Art

Art made with devotion doesn’t just transform the artist; it has the power to affect those who encounter it. When we create from a place of sincerity and reverence, our work resonates on a deeper level, touching hearts and minds in ways that go beyond words.

We know when something was made with great humility, respect, and great effort. Rubin once said, “Art is like surfing a wave. You can’t force the wave to go where you want, surrender to its will.”

Making our art in a devotional posture doesn’t mean we make junk. This doesn’t mean we don’t care about outcomes. But when our work is done as devotion, as prayer, the chances of our art going well beyond us are enhanced.

The potential of the ripple effect of devotional art is raised with the ability to heal, inspire, and connect us.

Rubin’s words remind us that art is more than a product; it’s a gift. When we approach our craft with a spirit of generosity and service, we create work that has the potential to uplift and transform.

This doesn’t mean our art has to be grand or revolutionary; even the simplest acts of creation can carry profound meaning when done with devotion.

Embracing the Call to Devotional Art

So, what does it mean to embrace this call to create with devotion?

• It might mean letting go of the fear of imperfection and trusting that the act of creating is enough.

• It might mean remembering why you started making art in the first place: to connect, to express, to serve.

• Or it might mean redefining success, not by external metrics but by the depth of your connection to your craft.

• It might mean taking a moment before each work day, or before we make our art and saying a prayer, asking God to accept this gift, and guide it as is needed.

As Rubin suggests, there is no higher calling than to make art for God, however you define that term.

The next time you sit down to paint, write, compose, or build, consider the devotional nature of your work.

Consider the whole thing we’re caught up in is grace.

In doing so, you may find not only a deeper connection to your craft but also to the world around you and the divine within. Perhaps a peace you never knew possible.

In the end, art that is made with devotion doesn’t just change the artist. It has the power to transform those who encounter it, reminding us of the sacredness of creativity and the boundless potential of the human spirit.

Rubin’s insights challenge us to see our creative work as more than just a pursuit—they invite us to view it as a calling, a sacred act of service, and a gift to the universe.

Go make some great art with your life.

-Ryan