Do We Connect When We're Creative?

-or- Does Creativity Connect People?

So... I've just finished up from taking part in the St. Peter's Art Show in Lewes, Delaware... and I've been reflecting about it for the past few days. Why do I enjoy going to art shows so much?

To be honest, preparing for and setting up a big white tent, numerous metal display panels, and hanging up your work tastefully through a small windstorm in 90 degree heat is no easy task- in fact it's an obscene amount of physical work!

But I love it, and I can't wait to do it again.

One of my favorite experiences of being an artist is not just working on artwork that I believe in, but  personally sharing it with others and hoping they 'get it' the same way I did. In other words, hoping they see the message in a subject and understand why I chose to paint it. (Then I hope they approve of my rendition of the subject!)

When I paint, my goal is the same- to ultimately connect with people. Do all creative types feel the same way? Do any of us set out to create something with the vision of how it may touch someone else? Or does that come later?

It's such an incredible process, and its one of the few things I've done in my life where I have felt brave enough to put my true self "out there" for the world to give it a thumb's up- or down.

I am enjoying the creative process far more than the results! When I am finished a painting, it's like getting to the last page of a book. You're so glad you read it. It's been a part of your life, and it's a little sad to let it go.

If my artwork connects with even just one person at an art show, where they see what I saw in a subject, it's such a memorable moment and makes the show so much more worthwhile. 

No matter what we chose to create in life, if our work ultimately causes someone to feel joy, or feel connected, we have done our job well.

- A
"We may not all do great things, but we can each do small things with great love" - Mother Theresa

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