I try to give people a different way of looking at their surroundings. That’s art to me.
By: Maya Lin
Imagine walking through a familiar street, the same one you’ve tread countless times before. The buildings, the pavement, the rhythm of the bustling crowd—all components of a scene so well-known it borders on mundane. Now, picture someone handing you a pair of glasses, and as you slide them on, the world transforms. Colors burst into life, structures twist into new shapes, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary. This is the essence of what Maya Lin speaks to when she says, “I try to give people a different way of looking at their surroundings. That’s art to me.”
Art is not confined to the walls of a gallery or the pages of a book; it is the lens through which we can choose to see the world. It is a force that compels us to question, to feel, to connect. When we embrace this perspective, we unlock a wellspring of motivation and inspiration that can enhance every facet of our lives.
Artistic vision is about more than appreciating beauty; it’s about recognizing the potential for beauty in all things. When we apply this vision to our daily lives, we begin to notice the intricate patterns in a leaf, the subtle play of light and shadow on a city street, or the harmonious chaos in a crowded market. This new way of seeing can be a powerful motivator, urging us to explore, to create, and to innovate.
Consider the teenager who picks up a camera for the first time and discovers a passion for photography. Through the viewfinder, they learn to frame the world in ways that reveal stories and emotions they had never noticed before. Or the young musician who, upon hearing a melody, is inspired to compose a piece that captures the essence of a moment. These experiences are transformative, not just for the artists but for all who encounter their work.
Art has the unique ability to inspire change by challenging our perceptions and encouraging us to think differently. When we encounter a piece of art that moves us, it can ignite a desire to bring about positive change in our own lives and in the world around us. A mural on a once-dilapidated building can spark community pride and action. A poignant film can raise awareness and drive social reform. In these ways, art serves as a beacon, guiding us toward a more thoughtful and engaged existence.
For the young and the old alike, embracing an artistic mindset can lead to personal growth and development. It teaches us to be curious, to be resilient, and to appreciate the diverse tapestry of human experience. By fostering creativity, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to a more vibrant and empathetic society.
How can we apply this artistic perspective to our daily routines? It starts with a willingness to be present and to observe. Take a different route to school or work and notice the details you’ve never seen before. Engage with your surroundings by sketching, writing, or simply reflecting on what you encounter. Challenge yourself to find art in the mundane—a dance in the falling leaves or a symphony in the cacophony of city sounds.
Moreover, infuse your personal spaces with creativity. Rearrange your room to reflect your inner landscape. Plant a garden that is a living sculpture. These acts of creation not only beautify our environments but also serve as daily reminders of our capacity for innovation and transformation.
Life is not without its challenges, but an artistic mindset can provide the tools to navigate these hurdles with grace and resilience. When faced with a problem, an artist doesn’t see a dead end; they see a blank canvas ripe with opportunity. By applying creativity to our obstacles, we can find unique solutions that a conventional approach might never uncover.
For the student struggling with a difficult subject, approaching it as an artist might mean finding a visual or musical way to grasp the concepts. For the young entrepreneur, it could involve designing a business model that is as innovative as it is effective. By thinking like artists, we empower ourselves to rewrite the script of our lives, turning setbacks into stepping stones.
Engaging with art is not just a path to motivation and productivity; it is also a source of immense joy. The act of creating, of bringing something new into the world, is a deeply fulfilling experience. Whether it’s through painting, writing, cooking, or coding, the process of creation is a celebration of our individuality and a testament to our ability to shape our reality.
When we immerse ourselves in artistic endeavors, we also cultivate a sense of flow—the blissful state where time seems to stand still, and we are completely absorbed in the task at hand. This state of flow is not only pleasurable but also contributes to our overall well-being and happiness.
By embracing an artistic perspective, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities. We learn to see not just with our eyes but with our hearts and minds. We discover that art is not a distant concept reserved for the few but a living, breathing part of our everyday existence. And in this discovery, we find the motivation to live more fully, to dream more boldly, and to create a life that is truly a masterpiece.
Maya Lin is an American designer and artist who is known for her work in sculpture and land art. She achieved national recognition at the age of 21 while still an undergraduate at Yale University when her design was chosen in a national competition for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Maya Lin believes in changing the way people perceive their environment through her art. She aims to challenge and expand our understanding of the spaces we inhabit, encouraging us to see beyond the ordinary and appreciate the hidden beauty and potential in our surroundings.
Art can alter our perception by highlighting aspects of our environment that we may not have noticed before, by presenting familiar things in unfamiliar ways, and by evoking emotions and thoughts that lead us to see the world from a different perspective.
Yes, art can be a powerful source of motivation. It can inspire us to think creatively, to overcome challenges, and to engage more deeply with the world around us. Art can drive us to take action, to innovate, and to strive for improvement in various aspects of our lives.
No, an artistic mindset can benefit anyone, regardless of their profession or interests. It encourages curiosity, flexibility, and innovative thinking, which are valuable skills in any field or endeavor.
We can incorporate art into our daily lives by seeking out and appreciating the beauty in everyday objects and experiences, by engaging in creative activities, and by allowing ourselves to be inspired by the art we encounter in all its forms.
Art and happiness are closely linked. Engaging in artistic activities can lead to a state of flow, which is associated with feelings of joy and contentment. Additionally, the process of creating and experiencing art can contribute to a sense of fulfillment and well-being.
Yes, art can help us deal with life’s challenges by providing a creative outlet for expression and by offering new perspectives that can lead to innovative solutions. It can also serve as a form of therapy, helping us process and cope with difficult emotions and situations.
Having an artistic perspective means looking at the world with an open and creative mindset. It involves seeing beyond the surface, appreciating the nuances of our environment, and being willing to reinterpret and reimagine the world around us.
Yes, art has the power to influence social change by raising awareness, expressing shared human experiences, and inspiring collective action. Throughout history, art has played a crucial role in social movements and in shaping public discourse.
