“Where there is natural growth, a full and free play of faculties, genius will manifest itself.” — Robert Henri, Painter
Art can only begin with a beginner’s mind. Why? Because it is humble, full of eagerness and in search of knowing. This is one of the reason’s why I’ve spent nearly two decades teaching, consulting and working with young and new artists. Even when I was concurrently in the studio directing, helping artists learn and see has been part of the greatest joy in my own creative journey.
I love the spirit of the newbie; he carries minimal knowledge but a barrel full of passion and discipline. Yes, discipline — a word not often associated with young people. The word itself comes from its Latin root “discipulus” which means being a student, learner or follower. Only with the attitude of the student can one actually make the true efforts to see.
“First you draw what you see. Then you draw what you know. Then you see what you know.” — Robert Beverly Hale, Professor (Arts Student’s League)
Many learned artists stop seeing fresh. They carry with them their conditioning — techniques, habits, individual experience — and fail to look or listen anew. The experienced craftsman, when he’s searching, is looking not for understanding but solutions. He’s walled himself in before he’s even begun, presupposing what he needs to learn and what he doesn’t. This is what handicaps him; his drive does not come from his love of the craft but from the desire for accomplishment, for success. His eyes are on the trophy, not the target. But the beginner, he desires to understand, as a young child does when he asks of his adult caregivers why? The thing is passion with humility brings with it a wider perspective (thru the willingness to explore multiple avenues) and greater depth of perception. And it is such purity of spirit that enables one to find the tastiest fruit in the garden of life.
“There is no easier (or quicker way) to do things than understanding it.” — Milt Kahl, Animator
Understanding requires listening with an empty mind and an open heart; the humble stance readies the artist for whatever may come. The beginner, yearning for comprehension, is excited by the discovery and not what the discovery may do for him. The journey is the reward (how quickly we forget this!). Of course, the positive irony of it is that with genuine understanding comes the devoted passion and energy to carry this learning into practice. The average journeyman, on the other hand, complains he has neither the time or energy — the effort needed just doesn’t seem to align with a calculated rate of return. But it is this combination of impassioned learning and practice — along with the alloted patience — that brings about the greater achievement, namely, the development of what we commonly refer to as skill. And it is skill that makes things both fun and easy.
“Love is the condition of arriving at infinity” — Joan Mitchell, Painter
The beginner is also surprisingly bold. There’s almost a lack of fear or conservatism in the student. He doesn’t carry with him habits of doing or thinking, fears of disappointment or going off the beaten path. The vigor a newcomer brings is what helps him break new ground; he combines things in ways that are unexpected. I’ve always loved that about those who sincerely come to learn, for they inspire me and remind me to stay young. It also reminds me that knowledge, though wonderful, is always limited and learning is an eternal process.
“Wisdom is at the bottom of the well.” — old proverb
At the end of the day, it’s what we do at the beginning that matters. The first step is the last step. If we are to learn, we must be willing to start at the bottom, with a beginner’s mind. The greatest artists spend a lot of time at the bottom (and perpetually return there). It is here that they strengthen their foundation from which they build their mastery.
* Special Announcement: My consulting/coaching schedule has just opened up again, with 1 or 2 slots currently available. Please go here for more information: Services