The Art of Living

Why ‘Good Enough’ Is Never Enough

by Dana Raye Barnaby

It’s a beautiful Saturday morning in late January.  The sunrise shines in through the large front display windows of my 1907 storefront - now converted into a street-level artist loft. I love this space.  It has provided me with so much creative inspiration over the years, from setting up a photo studio to hosting pop-up dinners for thirty people, brewing beer and distilling spirits to learn and experiment with the art of fermentation.

In my ten years here, I have dived into a plethora of artistic endeavors, but the one thing that has been the most inspiring is the spaces that I have created within the large loft. Spaces where I can sit and read a proper paperback in the sunshine, put on a vinyl record, open up the liner notes and listen to the entire 2 album set, in this case it’s Chuck Magione, Live at the Hollywood Bowl, free from all outside distractions, social media nonsense and more terrifying news of the Trump… I am able to truly chill and enjoy the Art of Living.

The High Cost of Compromise

When I think about moving - which I often have due to the high cost of living in Vancouver, the changing landscape of the Movie and TV production here - a race to the bottom of poor quality production, driven by increasingly cheap producers looking for increased tax incentives, the beneficial low Canadian dollar and the even cheaper labour force - it has got me wondering if this is the end of quality art? The precious creations that you can’t live without, nor would you want to.  That amazing sound of a vinyl record spinning on a worthy HIFI stereo system where you can actually hear the notes that the artist intended you to fully grasp - not some highly compressed mp3 pushing mid-range sounds through to your apple iPod Air Buds.

I am a lover of all things made with integrity, passion and reason. When I listen to my vinyl collection and appreciate every note that is present, it always reminds of one of my dear friends who constant asks the question, “Music is free now,  so why do you still buy albums?” The best answer to his question is to simply put a record on the turntable - one that he knows well, playing it often on his “free” streaming service -  and wait for his reaction.  Imagine his surprise when he starts hearing sections of the song he was previously unaware of - a thoughtful bass line or a supporting vocal line that creates harmonic resonance. 

Now, it would have been great if in this moment he decided to invest in some vinyl records and a better sound system, but alas he did not. Maybe this level of music isn’t important enough to change his world, but it really hit me when he said, “that’s great and all, but the sound of my streaming service is good enough and free”.  It still breaks my heart every time I think of his words.

The Pursuit of Excellence in a World of Compromise

In an era where the democratization of art has opened doors for many, the temptation to settle for mediocrity has become a significant challenge for artists striving to maintain their integrity. Budget cuts, market demands, and the incessant need to please algorithms can make it feel like compromising on quality is the only path forward. Yet, for those of us who understand the profound value of true art, "good enough" will never suffice.

There was an old adage in movie making to, “show, don’t tell”, which basically means show the viewers the plot points and avoid unnecessary dialogue.  A great premise in a visual medium, however, knowing that most viewers are ‘social media-distracted’ while watching, Netflix now instructs writers to explain the setup, remind the audience through exposition, and then add a third ‘Scooby-Doo’ style explanation in the finale. All this, to ensure that their audience understands the plot and watches until at least the second set of commercials.

Lessons from a Creative Upbringing

Growing up, my parents, both artists in their own right, instilled in me an unshakable belief in the importance of good art. My mother was particularly uncompromising when it came to artistic integrity. She believed that art, no matter its medium, held a sacred role in society - to inspire, challenge, and connect us in ways that transcend the everyday. Both she and my father pursued their creative endeavors as side hustles, a testament to their relentless dedication to the craft despite financial or time constraints. Growing up in that world, I was shaped by their pursuit of excellence, leaving me unable to accept anything less in my own work.

My parents were prolific creators during my formative years, throwing themselves - and me - into multiple musical theatre productions each year. They also recorded and supported a gospel album and provided technical support for their church’s weekly services. I still laugh when my mother, who really wanted me to become a lawyer, wonders why I chose the life of a tortured artist instead of the financial security of her preferred profession for me.  With that upbringing, what other choice did I really have but to create?

The Democratization of Art: A Double-Edged Sword

In today’s creative landscape, the line between “accessible” and “disposable” art often blurs. The digital age has democratized the tools of creation, allowing anyone with a smartphone or laptop to produce and share their work. While this has opened incredible opportunities for new voices, it has also led to an over saturation of content. The mantra of "good enough" becomes an easy fallback, especially when deadlines loom or when success is measured by likes, clicks, and views rather than by the enduring quality of the work.

However, settling for "good enough" is a slippery slope. Art that strives for quality - true quality - has the power to endure, to resonate deeply, and to ignite change.

Consider the works of masters in any field: their creations stand the test of time because they demanded the best from themselves - refusing to compromise. The moment we stop striving for this excellence we lose the very essence of what makes art meaningful.

I’ve learned that artistic integrity isn’t just about the end product; it’s about the process. It’s about showing up, day after day, with a commitment to push beyond what is easy or convenient. This undeniable effort is most often referred to as Persistence - “The fact of continiung in an opinion or course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition" - or in more common language,  being willing to spend the extra time, the extra energy, and sometimes the extra money to ensure the work represents the best of what we can offer. It’s about knowing that even if no one notices the finer details, your work was created with intention and excellence, silently elevating the ART to something truly remarkable.

The Enduring Power of True Art

The democratization of art has undeniably brought benefits, but it has also created a paradox: while more people than ever have access to creative tools, the sheer volume of "content" often drowns out truly exceptional work. Imagine looking for the perfect image for a campaign, so you start a search - hours later, your head hurts and your eyes water, and all you want to do is end the noise.  For artists, the question then becomes: do we contribute to this noise, or do we strive to rise above it? The answer, I believe, lies in our willingness to reject the easy path and embrace the harder, more rewarding one.

At the end of the day, art is more than a product; it’s a reflection of our humanity. When we compromise on quality, we compromise on the very things that connect us as people: our stories, our emotions, our shared experiences. This is why "good enough" can never be enough for those of us who care deeply about the craft. It’s not just about the work we create, but about the legacy we leave behind - a legacy that, with enough dedication, will stand the test of time.

Thank you, William Shakespeare, for not compromising in the early days when money was hard to come by. We applaud your persistence, for without it, the world would be far less poetic, less profound, and far less inspired.

So, to the artists out there: let’s dare to aim higher, even when the world around us says to settle. Let’s remember that our work has the potential to inspire, to challenge, and to connect. And let’s commit, every single day, to creating art that matters. Because in the art of living, as in the art of creating, "good enough" is never enough.

Thank you for taking the time to join me on this journey of reflection and storytelling. If these words have resonated, you might enjoy my second series of essays called, The Vanishing Gentleman.

Subscribe today to continue our conversation. Together, we can explore the timeless art of living thoughtfully and graciously. Your support means the world to me.

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