Good evening from Vancouver, British Columbia. Spring has come to Vancouver – the earth is waking up and the birds are in full chorus. Thank you for listening in.
Let’s talk about artists. Are you an artist? Am I an artist?
Most of us, if asked, “are you an artist?” would hesitate to answer “yes.” After all, that label applies to the great ones: Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Cassatt, Picasso, Monet, O’Keeffe and the list goes on. Do we dare compare ourselves to that brilliant assembly? How do we define art, talent, beauty, if we do not have some form of creativity within ourselves? The definition of “artist” covers a huge area, the essence being “a person who creates art.” Five simple words that do not include any measurement systems. An artist is an artist simply because he or she creates.
If we limit our definition of art, we limit the extraordinary potential of humanity. It is easy to give little credibility to what we do whether it be writing, painting, design. When we diminish our efforts, we do not honour our personal story. Art is found in the joy of creating, of simply abandoning ourselves in the things we love. Our creative outflow has the power to transform and change those who we may never know. I treasure a finely crocheted peacock completed by my great-grandmother, a grandmother who I only know by a photo. I can only imagine the hours of work that went into this project. The peacock is framed, its elegance a reminder that my great-grandmother. artistic DNA is embedded within me.
I am learning that Art, at its foundation, is all about connecting. We apply terms such as: beautiful, insightful, meaningful, challenging, frightening. Those are merely descriptions. Whether the medium is writing, poetry, singing, dancing, painting, constructing a mathematical model, exploring the expanse of the universe, we connect at some intuitive level. We are influenced by art simply for having come into its presence.
Yes, we are all artists with a capacity to share within the greater journey. When we embrace our creativity, we are embarking on an adventure that transcends time and location. Take it from a master. Vincent Van Gogh once wrote,
“If you hear a voice within you say you cannot paint, then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.” Vincent Willem van Gogh
Safe travels wherever your adventures take you. Before you leave, join me in listening to the morning chorus that ushers in a new week of possibilities. Thank you for sharing this moment on Tea Toast and Trivia. Your visit and comments are very much appreciated.
Tea Toast & Trivia 
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