Talk to Strangers
I enjoy time in solitude. It allows me to silence the hustle and bustle of the world around me and truly learn from myself. My weaknesses, fears, insecurities, self talk all are put on center stage and I have to deal with them. This is done in my art practice, working out, or out in the wilderness. However, I also (very much) enjoy meeting new people engaging in delightful conversations and finding similarities in life, lessons, and practices. This often brings out the same fears, weaknesses, and insecurities to combat and learn. And if you have been reading my blogs you know I like to continually challenge and grow as a person and in my practice.
Recently in my travels I met the most delightful and accomplished lady, who was accompanying her daughter to an interview in another state. Right away her kindness beamed from her as she watched my bag on the plane while I tried to find a vacant spot in an overhead compartment. There are lots of people who will catch you off guard with their kind disposition in life, and I had the pleasure to be seated right next to one of those individuals.
We started with the usual small talk, and both of us had intended to immerse ourselves in books and practices on the flight and not engage in conversation…this did not happen and I am so glad. There was a wonderful and natural flow to our conversation with much respect of time for the other. As she closed out our basic introduction of our small talk, she stated she was going to spend some time reading her book. I agreed and also got out my things. She said she hoped her large art book didn’t bother me, and I told her not at all because I was going to get out my sketchbook and work.
From there of course we talked about art and shared our sketchbook entries with one another. Page by page we spoke of our ideas and hopes in each work. A little more about my new friend; She is an aspiring artist (after a few career changes, and multiple degrees), finding her skills and passion now in retirement (how spectacular!). We spoke of mark making, supplies, and a plethora of nerdy art talk. I shared materials with her and delighted in the captive audience seeking the knowledge I have retained. Truly as much as you could cram into an hour and a half of flight time, it was in there. The poor gentleman to my right might have been annoyed with our amazement and conversation, but I hope he too was as inspired as we were by one another.
Why am I telling you about this meeting of a complete stranger? Well, God has a wonderful way of putting people right in our path. As I spoke with this lady, I reverted back to my youth and insecurities in my work and talking to people about my work. Why, I have no idea. It cold have been that I had no idea of her skill, knowledge, or training. I have spoke with crowds, individuals, groups, youth, and business owners. This conversation challenged me as a short term teacher, leader, and encouragement. This new found friend asked thoughtful questions about medium and its use, practices, and archival finishes. Not that I claim to be a master of anything, but maybe I have a small capsule of information worth sharing with others.
It was refreshing to talk with a stranger, find a common interest and share knowledge. Almost like meeting friends on the playground in grade school asking if they want to play. Might I add her sketchbook was quite the visual treat. Works of continuous line filled her pages with studies of faces, florals, and figures. Her attention to detail and spacial awareness were that of my envy. She had a confidence in imitating work that she found online that reminded me of my youth drawing in the JCPenny catalogue pages. It was a delightful thirst for art and learning.
As I am daily a life long learner, this artful happening reminded me that no matter where we are in life we can always learn more and learn from one another. This new found friend called out my strengths right to my face in my hesitant moment of being humbled with doubt in myself. If that is not a sobering slap to the face I don’t know what is! I welcomed it with open arms.
In that moment, I knew I needed to add another element to my business. I need to grow and help others grow as well. <— that is me speaking it out into the universe to hold myself accountable. We will see how it goes. :)
Our flight safely landed and our exchange of contacts were shared. We have already connected artistically!
Connie, this is for you. Thank you for taking time to talk with me, share, learn, teach, and encourage a perfect stranger! This short blog entry does not give you enough praise for our short meeting, but thank you for being you! So sad I didn’t give you the biggest hug before departing. (I do love a good hug.)
Take time to observe and learn from others when you can. Make art and share.
*I’ll leave you with this….In my fun of people watching I am pretty sure I saw an Indiana Jones character walking through Atlanta airport. :)