There is an artist in each of us . . .

I have no sympathy with the belief that art is the restricted province of those who paint, sculpt, make music and verse. I hope we will come to an understanding that the material used is only incidental, that there is an artist in every man; and to him the possibility of development and expression and the happiness of creativity is as much a right and as much a duty to himself, as to any of those who work in the specially ticketed ways.

In every human being there is the artist, and whatever his activity, he has an equal chance with any to express the result of his growth and his contact with life . . . the object is intense living, fulfillment; the great happiness in creation. People sometimes phrase about the joy of work. It is only in creative work that joy may be found.

                                                                                                                      Robert Henri, “The Art Spirit“

 The Art Spirit  was a book my high school art teacher referred to frequently in our classes. Later, I got a copy of my mine, which I eventually replaced. It’s been a while since I read it, but I took it off the shelf earlier tonight and revisited some of the wisdom this American artist (who passed away in 1929) and art teacher had to share.

Reading the above words, I thought of  how many people who do not think of themselves as artistic (my husband being a prime example) really have a lot of creativity to share.  I also thought of Monsieur Monet, the personal quotes I have read and the performance Richard gave in The Impressionists.   We saw the portrait of a man who pursued his life’s work with a passion, with intensity; one who, in spite of struggles, obstacles and disappointments,  surely found happiness in creation. Funny. Sounds a lot like Richard Armitage himself, doesn’t it?