Sharing Art Experiences

What is Art?  According to the dictionary, it is "the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what  is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance."  It is also up to the eye of the beholder.   To me, art is a way of living, of seeing things in the everyday sights of our world;  a feeling that comes when you least expect it, a way of looking at the world through the "little things "; and yes, experiencing art as a spiritual path to creativity.   

I met Julia Cameron once, author of The Artist's Way.  As she writes in her book, these are the basic Principles of Art:

"* Creativity is the natural order of life.  Life is energy; pure creative energy.

*There is an underlying, in-dwelling creative force infusing all of life-including ourselves.

*When we open ourselves to our creativity, we open ourselves to the creator's creativity within  us and our lives.

*We are, ourselves, creations.  And we, in turn, are meant to continue creativity by being creative ourselves.

*Creativity is God's gift to us.  Using our creativity is our gift back to God.

*The refusal to be creative is self-will and is counter to our true nature.

*When we open ourselves to exploring our creativity, we open ourselves to God; good orderly direction.

*As we open our creative channel to the creator, many gentle but powerful changes are to be expected.

*It is safe to open ourselves up to greater and greater creativity.

* Our creative dreams and yearnings come from a divine source.  As we move toward our dreams, we  move toward our divinity."

Some may not agree with Julia Cameron's interpretation of our creativity, but I find it inspiring and true.

I often hear people say "I'm not creative at all. I can't do that".  I am quick to tell them "yes you are, and you can!"  Many are creative in ways we don't usually see as a creative art-like cooking, being skilled to put electronics back together, or designing furniture or billboards.    I am blessed to see art everyday working with children.  The way they see the world is amazing.  To see their tiny fingers discover a soft caterpillar or catch a raindrop.

These are the artful times that make my heart happy.    I am starting this blog to share what I see as art everyday.  It may be something just for you to think about or an artful experience you can try.  You are never to old to try play dough, or the coolness of shaving cream,  or holding a caterpillar and really looking closely.  Look for art in the unusual place.  It is there that someone has given their creativity for all to see.

Upon traveling in March'13 to the Hearst Castle in California, I saw this beautiful doorway to the castle.  See the artful roman pool that took over ten years to perfect.