Atypical Artists

       Ever since I was little I loved art. From the vast museums of Renoir’s life posted on the walls, to the smaller showcases of local art and history, my mind was fascinated, even at a very young age, of the dedication and execution of each perfect brush stroke or each sculpture handcrafted with hours of precision. I remember once when Donatello’s works came to my city. As I stared at one of his paintings of a man crying, it looked like he did not paint with oils, but somehow, with lights. I could see the reflection of the fictitious background in his tears. Genius.

        Sure, I cannot draw or sculpt any better then the next person, but boy, do I appreciate it. It’s hard for me not to like something. As a writer, you put your soul into each article, reaching out to anyone who will listen, or in my case, read. Each article is a part of me, something fascinating, sad, optimistic, or even confusing. I took articles, my published works, and my books as my attempt at art. So, by knowing how much goes into an article, I could not imagine how much goes into a work of art. That’s why I love it. However, this whole process got me thinking, what is art?

     While studying law, I have watched some of the best lawyers in the country unravel cases from many different perspectives. I have seen a lawyer literally act on his stage, acting for the jury to see his or her client’s side to the crime in question. To make people think outside of the box is an art form. In retrospect, I watch my hairstylist understand each different head of hair that comes into her chair. With her scissors placed firmly into her hand like a paint brush, I watch how she listens to what her client sees for their new hairstyle, and I see her analyze their face structure and give them a style that matches their face, and their tastes. Each woman that walks out of her chair looks like a work of art. I see each woman’s confidence rise dramatically with their smile of surprise and satisfaction. That’s art!

       Both my husband and my father are numbers men. Excellent at math, both of their positions require them to use their analytical minds for cost recovering and cost projection for their respective companies. The way each of them save their companies money and help many people keep their jobs because of their saving is not only relief for many, but also art work.

       Even my dear friend, who is a mother and a wife, moved into her new house with a vision. In only a few short weeks, her home was immaculately decorated, reflecting their tastes throughout the house. Artwork of the artist? I think so!

      From my recent reflections, I conclude that everyone is an artist. From the yoga master to the gardener, each person has a mastermind for their craft, and therefore they may be atypical artists, but artists all the same. The yoga master may contour his or her body into artwork, while the gardener takes a vast landscape and makes it into Eden.

      Leonardo Di Vinci is one of the worldliest appreciated artists. Why do I think he is so popular? Not just for his masterpieces created from paint, but his innovation in everything from flying crafts to a rudimentary form of dentures. Every blueprint, document, or writing was art. Each of us has a little Di Vinci, so we must embrace our inner artist!