Work In Progress

No masterpiece is created in one sitting, although the vision of the outcome is clear in the artist’s mind before he or she begins. No canvas or stone is perfect to begin with. It is what the artist sees that creates the value, as in Michelangelo’s David, that was a cracked and discarded piece of masonry.

Artists are individuals who take the time to allow their inner vision of seeing beauty to emerge crystal clear in their mind. And they allow their hands to be guided by that vision alone. They don’t rationalise what is, but what is beautiful. That is true art. Rationalise, and you’ll acknowledge clumps of yellow daffodils, whereas Wordsworth was greeted by a host of daffodils.

How often do you see your life as a work in progress? One that may, one day be a master piece, to be enjoyed again and again, by yourself, your loved ones, even strangers. Do you see yourself as an artist sees their piece of art, be it a sculpture, a painting, a poem…?

If you do…

1. You will hold a clear, hopeful, meaningful vision of who you are in your fullest.
2. You will stop expecting, unreasonably, to get it right immediately. Like a painter you’ll sketch and reflect and maybe sketch some more – all without beating yourself up, or running yourself down.
3. Your patience will grow, simply because you are moving in the direction of how you really see yourself. Refining your skills and qualities as you move through life.
4. You will notice a small detail and be able to capture it. Mona Lisa was no great beauty, but her enigmatic smile has resonated with generations.
5. You will live with conviction and energy. Conviction, because you are not swayed by anyone else’s opinions. The ceiling in the Sistine Chapel was considered a nonsensical idea by many. What would have happened if the Pope or the artist had listened to them? The energy will not be to just keep going, but to approach things differently and, if need be, to overcome obstacles or difficulties.
6. Most importantly, you will savour and enjoy the process of creating.
7. Finally, you will extend the same grace to others as you do for yourself, be they five or 50. Because all works of art start differently, some are mature already and some are built on, to hone the skill.

But what if what you do is mundane? You know – the same, boring task. Don’t forget about the three tradesmen who were asked what each one was doing. The first replied, I am laying a brick upon a brick. The second replied, I am building a wall of a large building. The third replied, I am building a cathedral. What will your work in progress lead to?