I am not an artist, at least not one that uses a brush on canvas.
I am also not a student of art, although I once had the delightful experience of attending a workshop featuring the life and works of Picasso.
As a workshop participant, I listened intently to the very interesting history of Picasso’s life and how at a very young age, his genius as an artist was exposed.
The professor that led the workshop encouraged us all to feel free to doodle on the paper in front of us during the lecture and power point presentation. We were asked to allow ourselves to be inspired.
I found the story of Picasso to be fascinating and had to admit to myself that without really knowing much about him prior to that day, I held some negative judgments about him as being unbalanced (to put it mildly). Those judgments disappeared as I listened to the story of his life. In fact, I became deeply inspired by his story and his beautiful art.
As I learned more and more of Picasso’s history I was able to glean the essence of what inspired him and noticed myself feeling a connection to his creative power. The words that doodled their way onto my paper as a result were presence, play, point and peace.
Picasso’s brilliance stemmed from his ability to be so present to what was around him, he saw the beauty in everything. As his various periods and styles of art evolved, how he expressed the beauty of what he saw, changed.
Although my presence in life may not uncover the same things that showed up for Picasso, I am reminded of how important it is to pause, so I can see what beauty lies below the surface of every experience, every interaction and every scene in nature.
I was also reminded that approaching life with a spirited desire to play will always produce something beautiful. This is a gift that comes naturally for me.
I learned once again that where I point my attention will direct what I create. If I am pointed in a direction of what is missing in my life, I create emptiness. When I point in the direction of all that is rich, abundant and life-giving, that is what I will create.
The experience of peace that came to me as a result of my Picasso experience was in knowing that we all possess a gift that we are meant to share. Making peace with ourselves is the first step in being able to share that gift.
Picasso lived and practiced all of the above without apology. As he moved through the various periods of life, his art reflected his focus at that particular time. The more I learn about this man’s life, his courage to express himself and his authenticity, I am inspired to follow his lead. If not in paint, then surely in presence, play, pointing my direction and peace.