"When the artist is alive in any person, whatever his kind of work may be, he becomes an inventive searching, daring, self-expressing creature"-Robert Henri
I love this quote.It makes me think of the time I spent in the hospital after a major back surgery where rods and screws were placed in my spine, I was sixteen and in the most pain I had ever experienced. I don't have many memories from the hospital because I was so drugged up, but I distinctly remember one night when I was uncomfortable and moaning involuntarily because of pain.
Up to this point the nurses would come ask me if a needed anything do their little tests and leave. One night I had a special nurse, a nurse that truly made her work her art. She came in with a smile on her face, asked me how I was doing, listened for my response, and carefully moved my body gently placing pillows. She attended to my needs in a way that showed that she had a care and understanding that the other nurses did not have. It was the first time I could remember feeling comfortable since surgery and I was able to get some sleep.I was so thankful.I don't remember her name but to this day I remember her face. I don't think I'll ever forget it.She truly made her work an art.
We all have an opportunity to do this in many aspects of our lives.Sometimes we think that the gifts we have been given are not truly significant, but if we take what we have and make it our art we can learn to express ourselves, take chances, be creative, and do great things.
