Adam Savage explains why art is essential for human survival
The Burden of Global Static
Living through global instability creates a constant psychic weight. It is easy to feel that building a custom PC or optimizing a camera rig is trivial when the world seems to be fracturing. admits to carrying a baseline level of depression about the state of the world, a sentiment many makers share. When the "background noise" of suffering becomes too loud, our creative obsessions can feel like a distraction rather than a pursuit.
Creativity as a Survival Mechanism
Art is not a luxury; it is a necessity for cultural and personal survival. During the , theater performances continued in even while the city was under active shelling. This highlights a fundamental truth: the need to respond aesthetically to our environment is an intrinsic human drive. Sharing what we create provides a point of connection that preserves our humanity during dehumanizing times. If you feel compelled to make something, you are performing a vital act of growth.
Practical Perspective Through Hardship
Difficulty has a way of filtering out the trivial. During the lockdowns, many discovered that the standard friction of daily life suddenly felt insignificant. This shift in perspective allows us to focus on the "water level" of what truly matters. When we obsess over technical details or complex builds, we aren't just wasting time—we are becoming more rounded individuals capable of solving problems and collaborating under pressure.
The Utility of Hidden Hardware
Even when energy is low, focusing on the mechanical can be grounding. Surprising materials like serve professional roles, acting as perfect mold dams for silicone because of their tight mechanical tolerances. Similarly, —actually galvanized steel strapping—and grip chains are the unsung heroes of the workshop. These industrial leftovers allow us to build structures in 10 minutes that would otherwise take hours. Exploring these technical obsessions is a valid, productive way to navigate the madness.
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Staying Motivated in These Difficult Times
WatchAdam Savage’s Tested // 10:26
Adam Savage’s Tested is a content platform and community playground for makers and curious minds. On Tested.com, the highly- engaged Tested YouTube channel, and at conventions and events, dynamic makers share ideas and inspire each other to build their obsessions. Led by Adam Savage, the Tested team explores the intersection of science, popular culture, and emerging technology, showing how we are all makers. Adam also takes viewers behind the scenes of films, TV shows, theater, and museums, shining a spotlight on the craftspeople and artists who make the magic we all enjoy. Tested is also: Norman Chan, Joey Fameli, Josh Self, Kristen Lomasney and Thomas Crenshaw.