Why Do I Paint?
Photograph of a scene from a wintery morning sunrise
I learned from a friend who suffers from depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) that February is often the most difficult month for people (psychologically speaking) in our part of the World. The winter feels like it’s dragging on and on; the cold makes it challenging to get outside, consequently people don’t get as much sunlight. In addition, February contains Valentine’s Day and Family Day (in several Canadian Provinces), and both days can be quite painful, triggering difficult emotions for many. If all that wasn’t enough, the troubled arena of public health and politics can be dumped into the “tough” bucket. And to top it off, on the global stage, poor Ukraine is under attack. Devastating. With all these weighty happenings, I find myself wondering yet again, “Why is it that I do what I do? Why do I paint?”
If I’m honest, I confess that I struggle to view art and painting as a valid career. Sure it can be a hobby; sure it can be a talent people have. But I always wonder about it being a career. And yet that is what I have launched myself into. But why?
What it boils down to is that I truly believe the quote by Dr. Howard Thurman that I stumbled across years ago. It’s become part of my own personal mission statement. “Don’t ask the world what it needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
What do I mean, “come alive”? If we're roaming around, we're alive, are we not? I think people can have all the necessary physiological vital signs yet be ‘half alive’ inside, or in an internal coma. What I mean is that they are existing and even possibly physically healthy, but they’ve lost their zest for life, purpose and hope.
When meeting someone new, I like to discover what makes a person shine (feel deep contentment) rather than what they do to survive or make a living. Sometimes one’s work can be a real joyful purpose, but more often than not, it’s not an individual’s main passion. Interestingly, when asked, “What would you do if you had a day to do anything you wanted?” a lot of people have to really stop and think. Sometimes they even respond: “I don’t know.” It’s as if the business of getting through life has numbed us to knowing our true selves; the part of us that, when activated, fuels our whole being and makes us feel alive.
Life can get very busy and it's easy to have our spare time completely consumed with social media these days. I don't know about you, but I certainly don't find that very life-giving or affirming most of the time. It's become a breeding ground for dissension and arguments, and continues to pose the dreadful opportunity for extremely unhealthy comparisons between others and us.
I was extremely humbled and encouraged to read a golden nugget in an email from one of my amazing collectors who recently provided a home for the little Boreal Owl I painted last month. She wrote “Art and artists are so important. So thank you for … expressing yourself visually. Beauty, awe and wonder are so needed these days” (emphasis mine). I love that idea!
We need things to lift our spirits. Beauty does that. Not everyone is able (or wants) to get out into nature and be away from the rush of life. But in a time when our souls are so surrounded by heaviness and sorrow, I sincerely believe that stopping for a minute and admiring something lovely (possibly from nature) can change the trajectory of our day by recalibrating our mind to take us out of the struggle/strife into a place of serenity, quiet, and peace.
My art isn’t a gadget that requires action be taken to use it. It doesn’t require electricity to be viewed. It can’t be compared to a stunning image on a glowing screen or monitor. It doesn’t force-feed anyone. My art just is. It simply calls out, inviting the viewer into a moment of rest and rejuvenation. It is an invitation to awe, admiration, or wonder. It provides a focal point on which to gaze to extract you from the moment and direct you to a glimpse of the glory of nature; or the splendour of colour; or the warmth of a positive feeling; or a wonderful memory/dream/hope (as may be the case with some commissions). There’s something uniquely quieting about a piece of art with which one resonates.
And that, my friends, is why I do what I do. I earnestly desire to create little oases of peace and beauty that may help nourish tired, thirsty souls. Whether it’s logical or sensible isn’t the question. It’s what I feel inspired to do with my time, efforts, and skills.
I encourage everyone to figure out what makes you come alive as well, if you’re not sure yet. And when you are sure, jump into it! You living out your passion and thereby spreading life and vitality to those around you is a high calibre mission! Let’s boldly step into it - start jotting down that poem, tune up your dusty guitar, grab your sketchbook, choose some yarn or fabric that makes your heart sing, send a card, make a card – you get the idea!
In dark times, and cold months we need beauty, awe, and wonder to help us reawaken and become alive.
