“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” -Pablo Picasso

On the Beach (La Baignade), February 12, 1937 by Pablo Picasso

In a previous post, I touched on the aforementioned quote and I thought it was worth another look:

For many, in our formative years, art plays a starring role. Early on in school, our daily activities are largely made up of artistic endeavors surrounding holidays and seasons (a pumpkin picture, a snowman). Many of our projects placed nearly as much emphasis on the artistic component as on the accompanying material we were learning (read: a volcano as a science project or a diorama for a book). These were the center-pieces for a lot of our early learning. It’s acknowledged that creativity is a valuable piece of our young minds to nurture. So, when does it stop?

Les Bouquinistes by Denis Gerablie on Zatista.com

For the lucky few, of course, it never does. It continues on in various forms. For the majority of us however, eventually there is a disconnect. A parting of ways, only sometimes to be revisited later in life. Often people stop when they don’t think they’re good. When you’re younger it’s not so much about the end result as it is the process. This is a lesson it takes many of us years to re-learn. In the world of art, being unique is a celebrated trait. This is often overlooked. So, trying to conform to each other’s ideals of normality is even more of a dead end.

Bolero by Bill Buchman on Zatista.com

It is, however, not only about being creators of art, although art in all it’s cathartic glory is certainly good for the soul. It is also about appreciating art – embracing art as part of our daily lives. Doing so certainly makes us all richer.

Piazza by William London on Zatista.com

Picasso was certainly onto something. How do we keep alive that feeling and the relationship with art we had when we were younger? I do it by looking at colorful artwork like the pieces in this post. How about you – how do you stay inspired and connected to creativity? Share your thoughts here with us on WallSpin.

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