At my local dollar-a-plate sushi place I noticed 2 little kids fingering the sparkly ornaments on the fold-up Christmas tree with a true sense of wonder. I remembered at that age being completely enchanted and transported with the magic of shiny things as snow fell and presents appeared.  How did that all happen and what was in those packages anyway.

As adults, harried and stress is the more likely the tune at holiday time. As artists, it’s a time to remember the kid who sanctioned a sense of wonder.  It’s a kind of faith to hold on to.

Thoughts on the subject:

Ursula Le Guin wrote, “The creative adult is the child who has survived.”

Picasso said, “It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” And “”Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”

A well-proliferated tale by artist Howard Ikemoto:   “When my daughter was about seven years old, she asked me one day what I did at work.  I told her I worked at the college – that my job was to teach people how to draw.  She stared at me, incredulous, and said, ‘You mean they forget?’”  (His work is marvelous-http://www.howardikemoto.com/work/ )

“An artist is not paid for his labor but for his vision.”
James McNeill Whistler

In an attempt to tap our vision and “inner-child” we’re going to play—bring whatever—old paintings, blanks, limited paints, everything in your arsenal—your choice.  Be willing to set aside expectations and just play.

Magic for your listening pleasure—(be patient, it will get you)– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIoSga7tZPg

Merry Christmas