Love of Art

I know that to some people “art” automatically means the visual arts, maybe even the performing arts. And I confess, that’s the first thing that comes to my mind. But if I give my mind just one more minute, the definition of “art” expands to encompass a wide variety of creative endeavors — gardening, cooking, parenting. There’s even an art to science, in the right hands!

“Art” isn’t as much a what as it is a how — approaching your subject with with a certain expansiveness, looking for a way to do something new, or a new way to do something old. When the how of your what seeks to express rather than simply state — that’s something done artfully. Teachers who inspire us — even if they are teaching chemistry or history — are every bit the artist that someone who works with paints or dance moves is. People who  live their passion, even when that passion is linear algebra, have a way of approaching tired subjects with new eyes. Those people are artists.

All of that having been said, I love art.

Sure, I love the mixed-media art that brings me so much joy. And writing — oh, how I love what some people can do with words! But, I’m also inspired by just about anyone who is a master in her field. I remember a friend of mine talking about how much there is to learn just by being in the presence of someone who is passionate about — and masterful of — his field. Even if you can’t draw a direct parallel between microbiology and film making, just being around their fire stirs something inside you, if you’ll just let it.

Lately, I’ve been sitting with this deep level of inspiration that comes from being around these people — wondering what I can do with it, how I can harness it, maybe even share it. I know I’m going to start podcasting again this summer. I’ve also got another promotional project in the planning stages that I’m super excited about. To be honest, I’m wondering just how much of my passion is really about my art and how much of it is about promoting other artists.

What constitutes “art” in your mind? Who are the most passionate people you know? Are they “artists” too?

I’m pleased to be participating in a blog hop, sponsored by the Fly Tribe, a group of creative individuals who came together in the summer 2011 session of Kelly Rae Roberts’ ecourse, Flying Lessons. Stop by the blog hop page and check out the other participants!