You Are An Artist

In his book Linchpin: Are you Indispensable?, Seth Godin shares a concept I think has a profound truth.

An artist is someone who gives life to another.

Wow–someone who gives life to another!

This thought was foremost in my mind when I saw a little video shared on Facebook. It shows a Chinese man making cotton candy. He doesn’t just whip out the confectionary treat as fast as possible. He takes time to add love and life.

The nameless man is an artist. He takes something very ordinary—cotton candy—and turns it into art. His creation is art because of the life and love he puts into it, blessing all who witness his craft.

“Art isn’t only a painting.” Godin wrote. “Art is anything that’s creative, passionate, and personal. And great art resonates with the viewer, not only with the creator…An artist is someone who uses bravery, insight, creativity, and boldness to challenge the status quo. And an artist takes it personally.

Your ability to be an artist does not depend on your ability to draw or paint. It rests on your desire to love and give life to others.

You are capable of making a difference, of being bold, and of changing more than you are willing to admit. You are capable of making art.
– Seth Godin

Painting by Kristina Storey. For more information on her work, visit her website at: http://kristinastorey.com

Originals and prints of Kris’s work are available at: http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/kristina-storey.html

Click here to order Seth Godin’s book, Linchpin.

Check out Seth Godin’s blog where he shares daily insights at: http://sethgodin.typepad.com