The ability to observe in a whole new way is one of the things that I hear the most from students when they begin art classes here in Austin with me.
To get out of your own way, and to get out of your own head, and out of your “ thinking mind” and into being very present with whatever is in front of you, allows you to see so much more of the world around you.
It is also an opportunity to be quiet which allows you to notice your spirit, your being, your soul, and to listen to that small still voice within.
There are not a lot of activities in life that allow for that but making art is one of them.
Not everyone gets to express themselves creatively in their work, so they either have to find an outlet outside of their professional life to do that, or enjoy looking at other people's artwork, which when done well, can be a creative process for the viewer as well as the artist.
If the painting is not overdone and leaves a lot of open space and mystery, the viewer can read in and create and dream into that painting, as the artist did. Our experience might be quite a different experience than what the artist was having. Art can offer this kind of creative outlet and creative experience for both the viewer and the artist. Art serves a wonderful purpose that way.
