I love hanging out with an artist and watching her/him work, especially from the beginning of a project. Even when it is a chance of reviewing works in progress, there is something magical when one can listen a creative master share what is behind the emerging piece of work. I have come to realize that there is a special type of feedback works best.
When a work of art is in progress, it is neither good nor bad. It is merely something that is in a process of change. I have come to appreciate that it is a gift to share what one feels and experiences with the piece. As you reflect on what you are seeing, what do you feel? As you sit in the presence what do you experience? I have found that the personal trust, between artist and patron, is deeply personal.
As I think back on the origins of several pieces of art I need to hang, I am struck by the time and care that went into the finished product. From San Francisco to New York, London to Bombay, each piece has a story with a unique set of emotions.
As my mind drifts to other creative processes, I realize that you and I are words from the hand of a Divine artist. Given that we continue to change, it would seem that we are still works in progress. A gift we can give the artist is our feelings and experiences. As the process unfolds we can have a chance to hear a Divine whisper letting us know what she has in mind.
As with all works of art, timetables do not have the final say. An artist knows when s/he is done. In thinking through how I would encourage the artist of my life, I find myself holding onto a sentence from an old prayer. Divine artist, “Use all your skill to put me together; I wait to see your finished product.” (Psalm 25.21) I love what you are doing so far. Continue what you have started. Finish this piece.
