the making of ‘meaning’
In this week’s episode of The MOOD Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sean Tucker, a UK-based photographer, filmmaker, and author whose work is as introspective as it is inspiring. Sean’s journey—from pastoral work to a creative life dedicated to photography—has been a unique path of self-discovery, and his insights into the psychology of creativity are truly eye-opening.
“The best art we’ll ever make comes out of who we are. If we don’t do the internal work, we risk losing the meaning in what we create.”
During the podcast, Sean recounts how a pivotal moment in his life led him to examine why he creates. He left his pastoral career and turned to photography, but it wasn’t until he confronted the question of meaning that his work took on a profound new direction. For Sean, the goal became clear: use art as a tool to address societal struggles, such as the growing prevalence of anxiety.
This quest for deeper meaning in art was shaped by personal experiences and the realization that photography could extend beyond aesthetics - to touch lives in meaningful ways.
Too often, creatives feel stuck chasing likes, followers, or technical perfection, losing sight of why we create anything in the first place. This external validation can lead to frustration, burnout, and disconnection from the art itself. The question becomes: how do you infuse purpose into your work and create something that truly matters, and does mattering even matter anyway?
Yes, I know, it’s a lot of matter…
“The place God calls you to is where your deep joy and the world’s deep hunger meet.”
Sean suggests aligning your work with both your passions and the needs of the world. Here are 3 actionable takeaways:
Reflect on Your Purpose: Ask yourself why you create and what impact you want your work to have. Journaling or morning pages can help uncover deeper motivations. This is a vital step to giving yourself the direction you need.
Address a Need: Identify a problem or emotion your work can speak to that also aligns with your own values. Whether it’s bringing joy, addressing mental health, or sparking conversation, focus on the audience you wish to serve.
Infuse Authenticity: Let your unique voice shine through in your work. Avoid creating for trends or algorithms; instead, embrace what truly resonates with you.
Sean’s philosophy is underpinned by his belief that great art emerges from honesty and intent. He explains, “the best art we create comes out of who we are.” This authenticity allows artists to connect deeply with themselves AND their audience, transforming their work from mere visuals into meaningful experiences.
A memorable example Sean shared during our conversation is his approach to portrait photography. By fostering honest interactions, he helps clients see themselves in a new light—sometimes even leaving his studio with a renewed sense of self-love.
Feeling inspired? Dive deeper into Sean’s wisdom by watching or listening to the full episode. Explore how you can align your creative work with your personal joy and a meaningful purpose.
Click here to listen now and take the first step toward finding the deeper meaning in your art. I truly believe this is the most important thing even if you’re a hobbyist or recreational ‘creative’.
Give it a go, you won’t regret it.
Happy Shooting,
