The Artist Within Each of Us

Now that fall has arrived, I have been winding down a little and making time to watch some movies. A friend once recommended Walk the Line, based on the true life story of Johnny Cash, so that is what I decided to watch and I am so glad I did. I thought it was an excellent movie--very sad and touching, yet inspiring and moving. The pain and rejection that Johnny experienced early in his life almost destroyed him. In his music, the artist within was able to express himself, release some of his pain, anger, hope and faith. Ultimately, it was love that saved him and changed his life forever.

Don't we all have an artist within us? I love these beautiful words I recently came across: He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands, his head and his heart is an artist. It reminded me of the part in the movie when the record producer told Johnny that he heard the remake of the gospel tune Johnny was playing for him tons of times. Instead, he wanted Johnny to play something original. He wanted to hear the artist within--something that expressed Johnny's very heart and soul. The artist within emerged. It was a hit. It was authentic, moving, beautiful!

Within each of us is an artist. Whatever we put our heart into is an expression of who we really are. I remember observing the contractor who was laying tile down in our kitchen. He did an amazing custom job, very precise, professional and creative. I thought about what an outstanding craftsman he was. Then one day he shared how much he loved his work and put his whole heart into it. I then thought about how he came in every day whistling and singing as he worked. He truly loved what he was doing. His work was his art. It was the true expression of the artist within him.

We don't have to be a Michelangelo or Mozart to be an artist. All we have to be is our true selves and let it show in what we do. We can put our hands, head and heart to work and let the artist within us emerge. Remember, when it comes to true art, there is no right or wrong, good or bad, it's about being real, creative, imaginative and expressive. I give thanks for the artist within each of us and I encourage you to let that artist out. There is so much within you to express, share and give. People love the real you, so let the artist within you emerge freely!

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else. ~Judy Garland

You don’t get harmony when everyone sings the same note. ~Doug Floyd

A man that has a taste of music, painting, or architecture is like one that has another sense. ~Joseph Addison

Copyright © 2010 Krystal Kuehn. All Rights Reserved.