transformation (noun) 1. the act or an instance of transforming; the state of
being transformed (Canadian Oxford Dictionary)
What is it that we call art? A personal preference? A professional secret?
Something we need to be an artist to understand?
Whatever way we look at art, it can be a practice of transformation. When words,
for instance, are put together on paper such that they inspire and bring about
powerful images, elevating our thoughts – this is Art. When musical notes are
crafted and played at such a level that the mastery of the musician allows only
music to be present, it brings us to a new landscape in our imagination.
Brushstrokes placed on canvas with such skill that when gazed upon, we are
struck with a Beauty that cannot be expressed in words…
The transformation of sculpting from raw stone or clay can be a marvel of
practice and the combined experiences of a master artisan. The result of a
lifetime of practice and learned mastery has given us the Mona Lisa and the
Venus de Milo.
There are so many examples of art in nature. The most important one is the one
we are given - the art of our own life. Life and living well are acts of Art.
The experiences of men and women both in the past and in our present day show us
examples of living life well – to learn and practice day by day. Living life
well is a continuous and determined practice, acquiring higher states of being -
being courageous, noble, just, loving, caring, courteous, exemplary, generous –
all virtues that elevate us as human beings.
Art can be the practice of transforming life, improving our inner state of being
each day. And who then is an artist? He who lives life with authenticity is
already an artist. And each artist, with practice of his craft, can create his
own masterpiece.
