Be a Bridge Builder: Be the Artist You Were Created to Be.

Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, New York City - Wikepedia

“Who can deny that the Queensborough Bridge is the work of a creative artist?”

“Behold its liberal loveliness of length,

       A flowing span from shore to shore,

       A brimming reach of beauty matched with strength,

       It shines and climbs like some miraculous dream,

       Like some vision multitudinous and agleam,

       A passion of desire held captive in the clasp of vast utility.” Helen Keller, Midstream

How does someone who is blind and deaf write such beautiful flowing words about a bridge?

Helen Keller traveled across this bridge numerous times with various companions; each offering their experience as they road up to and over it. This was done by either signing into Helen’s hand or allowing her to place her hand on their lips while speaking about it. Helen responded to their observations in a similar manner, making comments and asking question to get a deeper understanding of their perceptions. Helen took these tactile images stored in her mind, as one looking at digital photos from a variety of photographers, then composed what she envisioned in the above quote.

Two works of art, each possessing beauty and relevance, one created by an architect and the other by a writer. Oh, to create something so delightfully useful, something that stirs the soul from start to finish.

Bay Bridge, Maryland - Cal Shook

As I ponder the time and effort required to build this bridge and Helen’s description of it, I’m reminded that both took years to perfect.  To become the artist I’m created to be requires building a bridge to mastering my talents and abilities. There’s a creative photographer and writer within me.

Over the past several months, I’m learning to let go of unnecessary things that are jamming up my time and leading me away from these passions and suffocating my spirit. The more I let go the more room I have for things that rejuvenate me like eating well, getting plenty of sleep, and getting exercise.

When I get to bed early, I wake refreshed to ponder the words for the next blog post or my first book. Energized, I transcribe the stream of thoughts, no matter how illogical they seem.   Rearranging them, crossing off the unnecessary as I strive to create a logical piece.  Later in the day, my spirit feels light and free as I pick up the camera and head out for a walk with my husband Jim.  We move along watching nature unfold before us with its varied landscapes and activity, hoping to capture that unique moment.

What passion is burning inside of you?
Are you making time for the artist within?
If not, how might you do so?

Resources:
Midstream - Helen Keller
Art of Work - Jeff Goins
How to Build a Bridge audio - Jeff Goins