I Paint...Observed
In yesterday's post I talked about the process of "fooling" your brain so that you can see things differently. However, some people have developed their creativity muscles so well that their brain sees things I can only dream about. When that happens, one sits back in awe. A young dutch artist, Thijme Termatt, is just such a person. Take a look for yourself at creativity on steroids before I share my observations:
There are a ton of things I wondered when I watched this guy work his magic on canvas. See if any of these observations struck you:
- How great to be an ambidextrous painter! No wonder he's so fast!
- When he learned to draw, did he do it upside down?
- Where did his parents let him bust out the oil paints that didn't make a big mess (because I need tips)?
- Were/are his parents worried about him being a starving artist?
- Has he taken many classes?
- Does he always paint with his shirt open? What's that all about?
- Does his ambidexterous-ness translate into him being a great baseball player...or boxer?
- Where did he learn to whip up a hairbun like that?
- Why did he paint Chelsea Clinton?
- How does he pronounce his name?
- Does he sell his work?
Actually, other than the shirt thing (distracting!), I really didn't ask those questions. I didn't notice much except for the amazing way the images came to life. All of those questions seem petty when you have the chance to see the talent just spill out. You can't help but see the gift that this guy has and just soak it in.
Maybe knowing Thijme's background could make watching his creative process even more fascinating, but it's not necessary. When you see a person operating in his sweet spot, it's just as fulfilling to watch the creation happen, to appreciate the artist in motion. I don't know how you felt watching him work, but I hope that Thijme uses his gift wisely and continues to share it with others. I'd hate to see him hang up his brush to get into accounting. (No offense to all of my accountant friends!)
The video also made me think about other super-talented people I know...and how inspiring it is to watch them work in THEIR sweet spot. There are times when I hear people sing, give a lecture, argue a point, or craft my tax returns, I find myself thinking, "wow, you're really great at ____ (that thing you do)." I am surrounded by people who have tremendous gifts and talents. When I see them operate in their "sweet spot," I feel like I'm watching a master painter turning smudges of oil into a landscape. I see that talent as a gift that's been freely given to someone who has both mastered and honed it. When I see people working their skills, I am beyond impressed; I am inspired. I want to work out of my strengths.
I want to create beautiful things
... but I'll be keeping my shirt buttoned thankyouverymuch!