The More You Know, The More You Need to Learn

Autumn and Christmas Sneak Peak Event
September 23-25
Thursday, 10-5:30
Friday, 10-5:00
Saturday, 10-3

Hello Everyone,

Have you ever been astonished at what one’s perception of what something might be and how different you see it? Well that was what happened the other day when my sister was working here at the shop with me. She was talking to a group of women that had come out to shop and were checking out at the check stand. She mentioned to one of them that I had been a concert pianist. At first, I thought she was kidding. But, after listening to her for a while I realized she thought I was that good.

Believe me, nothing could be farther from the truth. I tried hard and I practiced a lot, but I had to realize that there were skills that I probably would never possess no matter how long and how hard I practiced. But it was sweet of her to think that.

The more you come to know about a subject, the more you know the more you know you need to know. (Sounds weird, but it’s really profound when you understand it.)

What I did learn from the discipline of learning to play the piano, was there was more to the skill than just playing. There were so many nuances that you could pick up from other skilled musicians and learn a tremendous amount from them.

I was never afraid to try anything new, and I had to learn to be happy with what I could accomplish even though I knew it was far, far from what I wanted it to be. Many times when I tried something new it failed. But that did not keep me from trying perhaps a different way. The skilled musicians could do it with such ease and I admired and aspired to be like them. But I soon realized it was the little things that set them apart. It was not the grand glissandos or the blackness of the music on the paper, it was the little things that they mastered that set them apart.

I would say that is one of the best tips I could give someone in learning to be creative and inspired. If you look at pieces of art and look for the little things, suddenly, you realize they are the big things.

I remember a painter several years ago who was known for his artwork as the Painter of Light. In every piece you would see light coming out of windows or other objects that naturally produce light. What I found so tender as well, was that it was a window into his soul; the story of why he had light coming from every window was especially touching to me. It endeared me to him for the rest of his life.

He was a child from a family whose father, I believe deserted him, at a young age. So consequently his mother had to work hard outside of the home and he took jobs to help with the family income. He said when he would return to his home in the evenings and see the light on he knew there would be someone waiting there for him that evening.

Now all of a sudden, in my life that light that I saw in his artwork took on a whole new meaning for me. It was just those little things that I began noticing in other artwork and wondered about the story behind it.

Notice the little things, because many times, they are the most important things and they will catapult you into new heights in your work.

Another tip that I read long ago was only look at artwork that will take you up to the next level. Follow those artists and they will give new meaning to whatever you try to accomplish in your craft.

It’s kind of like a sports team.

My father was a coach for most of his life. One thing he hated to do was to compete against someone who could not give him a good game. He said you always play better when you are competing against someone who is a little better than you. Always look at what you do like that. Don’t become discouraged if you don’t think you’re as good as someone else at something. Notice the little things they add and then try it yourself. But never compare yourself to someone whom you know is not as good at something as you are. Compare your work to someone who is better than you. And, you know who they are even if it is hard to admit it. Learn from them.

And then learn to say, “Well maybe mine is not as good as theirs–but it is good enough, And maybe next time I’ll rise to a new level.” But never quit trying.

I still play the piano, but I do recognize my limitations. But, I am always, always, always listening to others so that I can strive to be at their level. Honestly, I know I never will be, but I will always try.

Someday, I’d love for you to share with me some of the projects you have going and what you’re striving for. You all have “creative” in your inner self. Don’t be afraid to explore it. And don’t be afraid of being different—like these guys.