In 1997 I attended a lecture by Clive Barker, sponsored by the Learning Annex, at the ANA Hotel in San Francisco. The following is a fairly accurate paraphrase of the lecture, with direct quotes. I first went to these places in my heart as a place of refuge. I made the world my way.
Art can also be a refuge from hostility.
There is nothing wrong with standing up and being counted as spiritual beings, as artists. Creating a life story. Like what you do. Some suggestions about making art. The audience wants the real thing.