No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did he would cease to be an artist.
By: Oscar Wilde
Art is a realm that transcends the ordinary, a universe where the mundane is reimagined and the commonplace is reinvented. The quote by Oscar Wilde, “No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did, he would cease to be an artist,” encapsulates the very essence of what it means to be an artist. It is not about replicating reality; it is about perceiving beyond it. This concept of seeing beyond the surface can be applied not only to art but also to our daily lives and the pursuit of personal growth and motivation.
The way we perceive the world around us shapes our thoughts, actions, and ultimately, our lives. Like the artist who looks at a sunset and sees not just the interplay of colors but the emotion and narrative within, we too can train ourselves to look beyond the immediate. This is the foundation of creativity and innovation—seeing not just what is, but what could be.
Consider your life as a canvas. The events, people, and experiences are the colors with which you paint. A great artist will take these elements and transform them into something greater, something that resonates on a deeper level. Similarly, we can take the raw materials of our daily existence and create a life that is rich, full, and meaningful.
To see things differently, we must be willing to challenge the status quo. This means questioning the norms, the ‘shoulds’, and the ‘musts’ that society often imposes. It’s about finding your unique perspective, your voice, and having the courage to express it. This is as true for the budding entrepreneur as it is for the aspiring artist.
The unseen is not just about what is invisible to the eye, but also what is yet to be realized. It’s about potential and possibility. When we embrace the unseen, we open ourselves up to new experiences, learning, and the opportunity to grow beyond our current confines.
Applying an artistic vision to everyday life means looking for the extraordinary in the ordinary. It’s about finding beauty and inspiration in the mundane. This could be as simple as noticing the way light filters through the leaves during your morning walk, or as profound as reimagining your career path to align with your passions.
Fear often holds us back from seeing the possibilities that lie before us. It’s the voice that says, “You can’t,” or “You shouldn’t.” Overcoming fear is about silencing that voice and replacing it with one that says, “Why not?” This is the voice of the artist, the innovator, the dreamer.
Productivity is not just about doing more; it’s about doing what matters. When we apply artistic thinking to our productivity, we prioritize tasks that align with our vision and values. This leads to a more fulfilling and effective way of working and living.
Imagination is the tool with which artists—and we—can reshape our world. It’s the ability to form images and concepts of what is not present to our senses. When we harness our imagination, we unlock the door to innovation and change.
The journey of an artist is one of continuous improvement. Each piece is a step towards mastery. In life, we too can adopt this mindset, viewing each day as an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve. This approach keeps us motivated and moving forward.
Living artfully means embracing the perspective of the artist in all aspects of life. It’s about seeing beyond the immediate, challenging the status quo, and embracing the unseen. When we live artfully, we transform our lives into masterpieces of our own making.
