Unlocking the Inner Artist

 

My friend Amber is an extraordinary artist. She was born with more talent than I’ve ever seen squeezed into one artist, and she has used it well all her life. You’ve seen some of her work on the blog throughout the years. She’s done some pieces for us, and each one is so dear to me. They are not only well done, but they hold the sentimental value of her talent behind them.

            I remember back in elementary school, trying to keep up with her artistic talent. I knew I couldn’t sing or play instruments well. In our school, the only three perceived talents were band, art, and choir. Since I knew I was out on band and choir, I had to make it as an artist. I had to. So I stuck as close to Amber as I could and pretended I was great.

            I was okay.

            I could have been much worse, I suppose. I think back over some of my projects and realize they really weren’t terrible. But when you’re in the company of artists like Amber, mediocre talent looks a little worse than mediocre.

            I finally made peace with the truth that I would never be an Amber-level artist. Instead, I decided to be crazy grateful that I can enjoy her art on the regular!

            But I also learned that art isn’t only found in pottery, painting, and print-making.

            My art takes other forms – like photography and writing. They are different kinds of art, but they can be beautiful in their own way. And my talents are more in line with those genres than anything involving a paintbrush.

            Amber and I have found ways to encourage each other in our respective forms of art. I appreciate the way she has championed my writing, speaking, and photo album creation. And I will always support her in the things she makes!

            I have friends who decorate cookies, which is a beautiful form of art I will never be able to master. (But I can eat the cookies!) I have friends who sing and play beautifully, and I’ll listen any chance I get. I have friends who can build things from nothing, and it fascinates me.

            I’m grateful I unlocked my own, unique inner artist. I don’t have the talents my friends have, but mine still matter. I’m grateful my friends have unlocked their own, unique inner artists, and it’s my joy to champion them.

            We don’t all have to match, but we can all celebrate each other!