“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” – Pablo Picasso
Children see the world from a lower point of view. A child’s eye level and perception of the world are much lower than most adults.
We forget about this perception as we gradually grow up. It’s so subtle that we barely notice the shift outside witnessing a child’s behavior.
This eye-level perception directly dictates our behavior. If what we see more and more often is goodness, then we will behave as if we are blessed. But if what we see more is degrading, then we will behave in an unsatisfied and prideful manner.
A bowl of fruit vs a box of doughnuts left on the kitchen table, we are not only what we eat, but we are also what we constantly see (visual cues).
But alas, I’m getting off track. Art is the expression of the soul, and children are the expression of untainted joy. The lens through which children see the world is much bigger and much more fun than adults!
Art is created with this imaginative perspective children employ naturally. The mind of a child is a free, vibrant, and artistic place.
Art is a creative expression. Children are creative, imagining that anything is possible and no limits can thwart their ideas!
Art is a curious expression. Children are curious, asking a million questions that seem to come from nowhere, but that mindset and inquisitiveness is what changes the world.
Art is a practice in failure. Children are not afraid of failure, hell they don’t even have a grasp on the concept of failure until later in life, this allows for some pretty awesome ideas to flourish past the giving-up phase.
Art is hard work. Children play hard, on a jungle gym, playing tag, or just doodling, there is an immense amount of excitement, energy, and focus going on in children that we can apply to our activities and work.
Art is an open practice. Children have open minds, they don’t care about race, religion, or socioeconomic status when it comes to playing and they are not scared to tell someone they like them.
Ever forget how to act and play as a child? Go spend some time with one! Their energy and enthusiasm will rub off on you quickly.
For example, do you remember just playing for hours and hours without reason, without explanation, simply because you wanted to? And then your reaction when your parents would make you stop.
You might have said, “But please, just one more minute, one more game, one more chase, please!”
This is where the importance of mindfulness comes into play.
All of your existence was in that minute, that game, that chase.
Being creative and being present are the same. Returning to the present moment enhances any experience, and we create a piece of art from scratch, that enhancement can mean the difference between enjoying the process and dreading it.
Reflection goes a long way too. Digging deep and finding out those creative expressions that bring out a sense of joy and goodness is a mindfulness practice.
Art is the same expression of play, a game of discovering joys. Whether painting, sculpting, drawing, writing, playing an instrument, or taking a photo, each artistic expression involves a discovery of joy.
If we are lucky, we experience a flow state as a result.
Do you remember when time would fly at the speed of light growing up? Games were played all day, friends were allies in the battle against monsters, and the playground became your endless OASIS.
When did we become fools thinking this is a waste of time? What children do is the most valuable time. I for one love playing, whether it’s a sport or game, cards, chess, trampolines, and water balloons.
This is what I think Picasso is saying: an artist’s mind is as playful and curious as a child’s, and he aimed to reach that place with every painting, drawing, and piece of art.
Try something creative like a child today and fully immerse yourself in that experience. For me, writing these words and formulating my thoughts on this page puts me into a state of child-like flow.
