Significance of the Moment

"The Old Pump House"

At The Grand View this week, we are getting the ranch ready for our workshop in September called “Awe and Wonder,” and by popular demand, we have added a workshop in October in Mt. Shasta.

A successful artist endeavors to master techniques such as the application of paint with brushes and knife. He also must have access to the tools stored on the inside of the artist’s heart - his feelings, emotions, memories, and values. It is essential to maintain both areas with care and attention or the result can be a muddy mess and a sense of boredom in the individual. To enjoy the art of creating quality work, it is necessary to interweave the heart, be present to the significance of the moment, and engage in frequent practice to bring in a sense of richness and clarity to your art.

When people bring so much of their lives to their work, they are artists. Things that artists create share a common element: whether the product is made of silver, glass, clay, paint, cloth or wood, a closer look will show that it also contains the spirit of the individual. The significant difference between something that is created by the hand of man and a production-line item is the existence of that human spirit. Computers and assembly lines can create with abundance, but only men and women with their hands, tools, and love can create with feeling.

The key to being successful is sensitivity. The relationship that is established between the artist and his work is personal. Inspiration is not always present but every once in a while, there is a special awareness that comes to you. All of a sudden, something falls into place. When you are creating with inspiration, reality leaves you, you are in unaware of time, you do not have time to eat, and every thing is present now! Great art is created from this flow. Somehow, you transform. Both the art and the artist become more dignified because of the perception of the significance of the moment. When you open up to your work, allow it to move you and change you, you will begin to notice that boredom is something that happens to other people.

Here is an exercise to increase your awareness of the moment. Paint something right in front of you, right now. Be present. Feel the paint. See the color. Don’t worry about the outcome. Set the timer in the other room and remove all distractions. Paint for two hours and see what happens.