Live Like an Artist - A Series
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As an aspiring artist, and art business owner, I default to thinking of a “creative practice” as literally making art every day. And while, I do think that is pretty crucial if you want to hone your skills and improve technically, I know there’s more to it than that. I believe we’re each created and called to co-create. This piece and others in this series explore ways in which we each (whether practicing artist or not) might approach life with creativity and artistry, and how we may answer the call to co-create in an authentic way.
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Live Like an Artist
When I need a reminder of the goodness of creative pursuits or why creativity is a noble exercise, I never hesitate to reread Saint Pope John Paul II’s “Letter to Artists.” It’s a beautiful letter that acts as a wellspring for me when I’m feeling disconnected or dry. One line in particular always stands out to me:
“Not all are called to be artists in the specific sense of the term. Yet, as Genesis has it, all men and women are entrusted with the task of crafting their own life: in a certain sense, they are to make of it a work of art, a masterpiece.”
JP2 insists that, because we’re made in the image of God (the Divine Artist), we are each in turn called to live like an artist. Even we artists are called to extend our aptitude for creativity beyond the canvas and into our daily lives.
Admittedly, my time in the art studio has been pretty sporadic lately, but I have seen my creative energy expressed in other ways—when I pick up a book instead of scroll, when I sit down to practice piano, when I sort laundry with care or arrange items in my home, and in the ways I (attempt to) coax my children to cooperate. My artist instincts kick in even in the little moments of daily living. I think that’s at least beginning to scratch the surface of what JP2’s words mean. Because on my best days, when I’m able to tune into that artful approach, even the most ordinary of moments seem…masterful.
I’d like to have more of those moments.
But how can we intentionally and practically craft our lives into works of art? There’s so much we could dive into (and I would like to explore more themes in the future!). As a place to start, I want to offer a few traits that I think most artists have in common...traits that when we (artist or otherwise) apply them to our own lives, we can begin to see as an artist sees.
Among other things, it’s generally true that artists have 1.) a special openness to see things as gift and to receive those gifts, 2.) a curiosity about what could be, and 3.) a willingness to try.
Let’s apply it, using my family as an example.
See and receive: My husband, my children are gifts to me—lovely souls for me to cherish and care for.
Be curious: We, together and individually, have untapped potential to discover. We might ask: How could our morning routine be smoother? What would it be like if we had chickens? Or lived abroad?!
Try: I could try to…wake up earlier, communicate differently, learn a new skill, or to love a little better than I did yesterday. (Lord knows family life requires a constant willingness to try…and try again.)
Artists understand that there’s more than meets the eye here: this object, this person, this task, this whatever, could be—and is worthy of—so much more. Ultimately, an artist’s view is a hopeful view. One that acknowledges and can even help to unlock the wonder that is always around us.
I know I need more wonder. I need more hope. The world needs more hope.
When we accept the invitation to craft our lives into masterpieces, what we’re really aiming to do is offer a little more hope.
And, get this (I think this is the best, most mind-boggling part): God, the Creator of the Universe…that’s the way He sees you. And me. Full of wonder. Full of hope.
Live Like an Artist Challenge
Choose one thing (it can be a person, activity, object, aspect of your life) that’s been feeling a little challenging or lackluster lately, and spend time contemplating it through those three filters.
Give it a week and then let me know if this exercise shifts your perspective at all.