Our
Creativity Matters Every Day  Posted
Jan-26-2006
Two days ago I met a very friendly watercolor artist who
recognized one of my table companions at a local restaurant
while we were visiting over lunch. My companion introduced
the artist to me — a warm woman in the autumn of her
life
— and mentioned how talented she was with her beautiful
watercolor art.
Like many humble artists, the woman shyly smiled and quickly
downplayed this important point to her life. My internal creativity
coach immediately activated, detecting something very
important happening in that split second that I needed to listen
to. I was witnessing something that so many artists do when
a spotlight is cast upon their creativity: they gently pull
a cover over it as if it doesn't matter that much, when in
fact, it often matters very much to the artist.
Though I was a new stranger to this artist, I wanted to scoop
her up and tell her how proud I was that she has this creative
outlet in her life and has found the courage to share her gifts
with the world. I didn't have to see her work to know that
it was beautiful — I intuitively felt it in the space
of the few moments she conversed with my companion. Still,
I empathized with her downplay and knew there were hundreds
of reasons why that could explain her reaction to the spotlight
cast upon her by my companion in that brief moment of time.
As quickly as she came upon us, the artist departed and
disappeared into the restaurant. My companion apologized
for the interruption, and I remarked that it was perfectly
alright and happened for a reason. Perhaps for distinctly
different reasons for each of us —
the artist, my companions, and myself.
I was honored to meet a fellow traveler. Someday
I hope to have the privilege of seeing and appreciating her
creative watercolor paintings in real life. •
© 2006 Chris Dunmire www.chrisdunmire.com.
All rights reserved. |
