“All children paint like geniuses.

What do we do to them that so quickly dulls this ability?”

--Pablo Picasso

 

     My father grew up in a culture that discouraged men from pursuing the fine arts. I grew up in a culture that was overall neutral about whether a boy should learn to paint or play an instrument. I developed my talents from youth and became a decent artist by the time I was in high school. I wanted to go to art college, but my father insisted that I go elsewhere—into pre-med or something more respectable and secure.

     I hold no grudges towards my father. God had plans for me that went beyond either art or medicine. However, I share this to make a point—that we are all born with creative abilities and desires. Something along the way happens to many of us and we deny our instincts to appreciate the arts. Even my father is an artist. He loves to landscape. He has a beautiful yard with brick walkways, trees, shrubs, and flowers meticulously designed and cared for. He also enjoys a wide variety of music ranging from classical to gospel and opera.

     Who among us have not imagined at some point being rock stars or jazz composers or dancers or actors? What teenage boy has never played the air guitar in his bedroom with his door shut? What little girls don’t pretend to be ballerinas or stars on American Idol? Of course the fame and notoriety the performing arts bring to a few becomes a big attraction for many; however, most of us have at some point imagined being good at something creative, with or without the fame.

     Landscapers, chefs, homemakers, and architects are vocational artists along with painters and musicians. Not all have a divine calling to make a living with their art, but all are called to create.  Unitarian minister Todd Eklof writes, “Its possible for bankers, lawyers, engineers and computer technicians to live just as artfully as poets, musicians, sculptors and painters, if they work in a way that offers a prophetic vision, a more beautiful vision, to those around them.  That’s what being an artist is.  An artist is simply someone who offers the world a better vision.”[1]

     If Eklof is correct, then we all still have the potential to develop our creativity. We can be better at whatever we do by thinking more creatively about it. Not only can we be better at doing, but perhaps we can learn to be better at being. It is possible that being more creative will enable us to do better things. The satisfaction and sense of accomplishment gained at the completion of an imaginative project puts us in a better frame of mind.

     Before I attempt an artistic project, I usually want some peace and quiet. Following my little Zen moment, I allow my mind to freely flow with ideas. Sometimes I will have a flash of insight that leads to others ideas. I jot a few notes down to help me remember this moment and I begin the project. This method may work for all people. Sometimes the best thing to do is to immerse yourself into the middle of a project and let the ideas stream while you create.

     Art begins with creative ideas and passions. Some creative ideas are new expressions of the old. Others are new and unique and are rejected by a culture that fears change. I believe that the writers of the Declaration of Independence were artists who became agents of liberation for a repressed people. Art is a liberating force for enslaved minds and bodies. Some of the most original art has come from oppressed and broken people. From personal serenity to social justice and peace, art has potential beyond its monetary value. Civilization can change as a result of art. One timely and worthy example is found in the architects that are designing eco-friendly buildings. As more of these buildings are designed and constructed, the market for this sort of thing will grow. It could become more than just a trend; it is possible that future cities will be based on green designs. As a result, people’s health and quality of life would be improved, not to mention the affect on the natural world.

     The Bible teaches that humans are made in God’s image. One of God’s most fundamental attributes is that of Creator. The space of the universe is a canvas upon which God has painted, and continues to paint, His masterpiece. Humans are a unique part of this masterpiece in that they also have the capacity to create.

     We have been equipped with a mind and body that has abilities and needs to create. Art nourishes the whole person—a feast to the senses which are a gateway to the soul. Many people that are not capable of producing great art are capable of appreciating great art. The same side of the brain that is responsible for making music is the same side of the brain that enjoys music. I believe that if you can enjoy it, you can learn to create it. This is not to say that everyone who enjoys Mozart can create Mozart like music or even learn to play his music on an instrument. However, the capacity to produce music may very well be hidden inside—if not music, then something else. Perhaps it is while listening to Mozart or a smooth jazz piece that an inspired business enterprise or a cool landscaping project will enter your mind. Remember your inner artist; if you have forgotten how to be creative, then learn to appreciate someone else’s art and you just might remember.