The Charitable Creator

It is not uncommon for a visual artist to revel in the joys of multiple art forms. Like many others, a youthful artistic passion of mine was discovered not in the art room but on the stage. Momentarily melting into three-dimensional stories, imagination and adventure met in the scripted journey of each new part. 

I loved the blending of sound, sight, and story. But acting at a young age had its challenges, too. In truth, most of the good parts were written for actors twice or three times my age. 

I remember watching and learning from the wings, waiting for the day when it would be my turn. In time, the chance for which I had longed arrived. Trembling inwardly, I battled equal parts of confused excitement and unbridled terror with the grit of one ready to take on the world.

After such a build-up, I would love to tell you that I was a self-made success. However, though I may have evidenced some potential, my early attempts would surely have fallen flat had it not been for the more experienced, charitable actors with whom I shared the stage. There is a phrase you often hear attributed to these special souls of the theatre. For the way in which they conduct themselves and set others up for success, they are referred to as having a "generous spirit." Despite their own merits and praise-worthy performances, a generous spirit will take a step up-stage, vacating the lime-light, and share center-stage with an actor yet unknown. 

In reflecting upon my early memories, a question emerged: What does a similar "generous spirit" look like within the visual arts community? How do we become charitable creators?

You may recall that in a previous blog article, I encouraged readers to embrace gratitude over an attitude of scarcity. Let's build upon that foundation for a moment. If Jesus is your Lord, the connection between heartfelt gratefulness and the daily grace you experience is not lost to you. His unmerited favor, or grace, is freely given. We can not earn it, and we surely don't deserve it. We can not pay for it or exchange anything of worth for its bestowment. Yet knowing that we are God's children, under his care, we can pay it forward in gratitude for all he has done for us. We read in the Bible, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you… Be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 4:32-5:2; ESV). We are called to extend kindness to one another, attesting to the dignity of our fellow image-bearers.

Depending on our circumstances and placement in life, these seeds of kindness may be sown and tended in many different, albeit special, ways. You don't have to look far to find someone in need of a bit of kindness. But I want to return to a question posed earlier in our conversation, "What does a generous spirit look like in the visual arts community?"

In my experience, it is harder to find within the visual arts than perhaps other art forms. Not because visual artists are not generous. A good number of artists repeatedly donate work to benefit auctions of every size, shape, and kind. We are exceedingly generous toward those outside our gifting, but toward one another, well, my hunch is that we have some work to do. 

Speaking generally, the distance between us may be rooted in any number of causes. It may be common melancholic personalities. Perhaps because we favor introversion and isolated working conditions as we create. It may be that because our art form is product-centered, we feel the need to promote ourselves and our creations more strongly. There are valid nuances within each of these. Yet pushed to their extremes, they leave us cold and hungering for relationships with those who speak our language and, communally-speaking, may push us to be even better than what we currently are.

So how do we become generous spirits toward one another? 

Allow me to share three beginning suggestions within a story about an artist I know and how I have experienced her kindness.

I have the pleasure of knowing a regionally-successful artist who has made herself available to me despite her pressing projects, affluent customer base, and age difference. Each time we have had an opportunity to meet at either her gallery or elsewhere, she has intentionally created a sense of occasion, allowing me to know that our conversation was her main concern. With coffee in hand and sweets on the table, she leans in and engages. Her love for Jesus and others shines behind her eyes and smile. She is PRESENT. Likewise, our interactions with other artists should communicate availability and desire to hear them.

In addition to being present, my friend has allowed me to ask questions about her life, process, techniques, and business practices. She could refuse to answer these questions based on trade secrets or confidentiality, but she doesn't. In a wise yet unarming way, she illustrates VULNERABILITY. If we are going to encourage gracious relationships, we need to exercise a sense of vulnerability with one another; seeing the value in the person across from us and thinking a little less of ourselves.

Finally, in addition to being present and answering my questions vulnerably, there is an aspect of encouragement that occurs during our visit. She is always excited to see what I am working on and offers useful suggestions as I move forward. She is an ENCOURAGEMENT. Likewise, as you engage relationally, seek opportunities to build one another up. This may require you at times to temper the voice of the critic in your critique. Offer suggestions when possible but do so in a way that continues to promote both artistic and relational growth. Doing so will breathe new life into your fellow creative and establish a pattern for future conversations.

May the grace of Jesus be evident in every area of your creative life. May you shine for him and reflect his light as a charitable creator.