EDIT: After posting this, and get several responses, I realize that most people thought I was talking about the dreams you have when you're asleep. I was actually referring to day dreams, personal goals, or an idealized life. Sorry for the confusion.

After stumbling onto this idea, I thought about how cliché it must be, but I will attempt to put it, in my own words, the way I feel it.

I've often wondered why art, from younger people, in general, seems to be fresher than works produced by more mature artist. Is it because their minds are sharper? Is it because older people fall into working habits? Maybe in some cases, and to some degree, but I don't think that's the main reason.

I believe that young people tend to dream more. They dream freely, and without fear of their dreams not coming true. Dreaming is a bit like gambling. The pay off is big, but you can loose everything trying to get it. It is unlike gambling in that you stand to loose things that are more precious than money. Like faith in yourself. When you entertain a dream, you are making a promise to yourself. A promise to make something better. If it doesn't work out, that's one more burnt finger that you never want to stick in the fire again. So, you start to recognize dreams that can't be fulfilled, and avoid them all together. A conditional reaction that causes a numbing of the mind.

Maybe I'm wrong, but I think dreams are truly the source of great art. The ability to fall in love with an idea, person, or thing, to allow yourself to obsess over it, produces great art. But as we get older, we tend to build walls to keep us out of trouble. Protection to keep our hearts, and dreams from being shattered. But every once in a while, something sneaks in, takes us by surprise, and coaxes the inner artist out of us again. Granted, it maybe fewer, and farther between, but it does happen.

It would be quite a nice trick, if we could learn to recognize these protective, obstructing walls. Then we might be able to break them down, once again, allowing ourselves to dream freely. Just as we did when we were children.

Or maybe I'm way off track on this one. What do you think?

Jeff