At first, art imitates life. Then life will imitate art. Then life will find its very existence from the arts.

~Fyodor Dostoevsky

Art, in all its forms, is a mirror. That is what gives creative expression so much power in our lives. As Dostoevsky points out, we influence art, and then the art we see changes how we view ourselves and the world around us. It’s a wonderful cycle that has shaped humanity. 

Knowing this relationship between art and ourselves, its begs the question, why not conscientiously apply the fundamentals of art into shaping our own lives?  Why not see our lives as our own master work and ourselves the artist?

There are basic principles of art that can be woven into our lives in many obvious and some not so obvious ways. We can use creative self expression to make even the most mundane tasks a work of art, or at the very least make the act of doing them artful.

When I tell people that I teach art lessons, of course they first imagine a room filled with screaming paint besmirched children. In truth, what I offer is a venue for creative self expression and these lessons are for thoughtful adults who want to lead more creative fulfilled lives. They are meant for you.

In the posts to come I’ll share experiences, ideas, art principles, stories and examples of what I like to call, “life as canvas.”  Share your ideas and feel free to ask questions.  And if you are interested in exploring your creative self, feel free to contact me about setting up an art lesson.

Thank you for joining me on this journey.

Ran