Thinking about Art: The dust of our Soul

I love to look back on my children's handwriting. In the beginning just the mere shapes of letters were a big accomplishment. Then throughout the years the process is mastered and now I recognize my kids writing at the very first glance.

In a world of intense Western commercialism uniformity is desired. From factory made bread perfectly sliced to lines of cars or houses made with few variations -individually is hard to find. Yet this sameness of things causes us to pursue more and more possessions in the name of being "unique".

Yet we are innately rare and unrepeatable. No two humans are ever alike. The mold is broken after the creation of each child conceived. We share characteristics that make us human and experiences that unite us but we are one of a kind.

I think the wonderful world of the internet with Google, social media and international awareness has opened doors for Artists to have amazing images and ideas right at their fingertips. It can also be intimidating knowing that there are thousands of Artists that can draw a tree more interestingly than you'd ever imagined. Somehow it makes most of us feel unremarkable and a bit boring.

1963 age 7

That is why our Artist Style/ Signature is so important and we must continue to nurture and develop it. Just as handwriting it takes time and practice. Our Style sets us apart from others because it has the dust of our soul mingled in the paint we use or the fiber we weave or the clay we form. It is our unique gift to this world and only we can give it.