Here is another set of questions that I don't think there is any specific answer to.....but the questions fascinate me.

What is it that compels an artist to share their work with others?

If a person feels that they want to express a thought, idea or feeling through some kind of art (music, dance, painting, quilting, photography, etc.) isn't it the act of creating and expressing the idea and bringing it into tangible form enough? Yet, many of us feel the need to share our creations with others, either by performing the work or putting it on display.
Why do we do this? Why isn't the act of creation enough?

This train of thought also brings to mind Tibetan Sand Mandalas, where intricate pieces of art are created with colored sand, then swept away to symbolize the impermanance of earthly things. community.berea.edu/GalleryV...Info.html

All of our art, our creations, are impermanent. Aren't they?
Often, works of art are deeply personal....and once created they are put on display, as if we are baring our deepest secrets to the world - something we might never do in words.
Even as little children we create something, then go running home to show our parents what we have made? "Look at this macaroni picture! I made it myself!"

By sharing our atristic creations and expressions, are we seeking approval / acceptance / admiration? Are we trying to communicate something that we have no words for? Are we attempting to make our thoughts and feelings immortal by expressing and sharing them?

Why don't we simply create our works, look at them and admire them, then put them away or destroy them? Why do we so often feel compelled to share?