I refuse to believe you are not an artist. We are creative beings that make, create, innovate and appreciate the elegant. There is a chance you might be a bit rusty, but Amazon can deliver a can of WD-40 in 48 hours and break loose the rust. Modern society has binned the haves and the have-nots; those that are creative and those that are not. The selection starts early and can be subtle. The second grade teacher scoffs at how Laquisha drew the horse and the kids in the next aisle snickered their agreement. Now at thirty-six, there is no point to pick up a pencil or brush because the artistic gene seemingly catapulted over Laquisha. Contrary to popular belief, it ain't so cut and dry. Your art may be the elegant solution to a contracting problem, an excel spreadsheet formula, the kids lunch or a kidney suture. We must refuse to narrowly define our art. I recently heard an interview snippet with Ira Glass, of This American Life, regarding creativity. He explains that in the beginning, our work is poor but our taste is good. Our work needs effort and time before becoming good. The key is to produce your best art and generously give it to the world allowing time for the work to improve. The voice in our head is still listening to those second grade kids snickering in the next aisle, but action will quiet the voice and improve the work. As cute as they are, the world needs something better than just another cat video. For those that know their art and those just starting; produce work and hit post, play or send. We are awaiting good art.
How did you discover your art? What has hindered your artistic expression? Have you seen your art improve over the years? Where is your taste good? What art will you try this weekend, this year? What is a good production goal for you? How will you express patience with yourself, while your art matures?
P.S. If I need kidney surgery, I want the surgeon good at her art. No, I mean really good.