Open Windows

January 11, 2025

When we engage with art, we often seek meaning, pattern, or structure. We look for intention, for a specific message, or for some kind of clarity that will give us a sense of understanding. However, what if the artist’s journey is not about delivering that clarity, but rather about exploring the chaos and unpredictability of the process itself? What if the magic lies in the very fact that the artist does not know what comes next?

To work without the need for a predetermined outcome requires immense trust—trust in oneself, in the materials, and in the process. This is not to say that there isn’t thought behind the work, but rather that the thought is fluid, ever-evolving, and not bound by rigid expectations. By embracing uncertainty, the artist allows for spontaneity and the possibility of discovery at every step. The canvas becomes not just a surface, but a space for exploration.

Pace of Creation

There is a fascinating contrast in approaches to the act of creation. While some artists may take weeks, months, or even years to finish a single work, others might create an entire series in a fraction of that time. This isn't about competition or comparison; it’s about understanding the pace and rhythm that feels natural to each individual artist.

Some find solace in the slow, deliberate process of refinement, while others thrive on the quick, instinctual act of creation. Both approaches are valid, and each can yield profound results. The key is to honor the pace that aligns with one’s own process, whether that means spending hours or days on a single piece or creating an entire body of work in a burst of energy.

For the artist who works quickly, the act of creation becomes a continuous flow—a rhythm that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible within a short span of time. It’s not about perfection, but rather about the sheer joy of movement and the freedom to experiment without attachment.

Opening Windows

Windows symbolize possibilities, fresh perspectives, and moments of clarity. To "open windows" is to invite new ideas, new experiences, and new ways of seeing. For an artist, this can mean pushing the boundaries of their technique, subject matter, or style. It can mean exploring new mediums or allowing themselves to make mistakes and learn from them. Every time the artist opens a window, they step into a new realm of possibility—one that is unpredictable and exciting.

This is symbolic of the artist’s willingness to dive deeper into their own subconscious, to explore not just the surface of their work, but what lies beneath. It is a form of self-exploration, a surrendering to the unknown, and a willingness to let something unexpected unfold. Perhaps something will happen. Perhaps it won’t. But that is the beauty of the creative journey—the not knowing, the waiting, the uncertainty that propels the artist forward.

Form of Surrender

In many ways, this approach to art mirrors the philosophy of letting go—of not being overly attached to the outcome. It’s about allowing the work to come into being without constantly judging or second-guessing every decision made along the way. It’s about surrendering to the process, trusting that the work will reveal itself in its own time and in its own way.

For those who view art through the lens of perfectionism, this can be a difficult concept to embrace. We live in a world that often prizes finished products, completed ideas, and polished results. But for the artist who is willing to embrace the unknown, the journey becomes just as important as the destination. The beauty lies not in the final piece, but in the raw, unfiltered act of creation itself.

Invitation to Let Go

Try to think differently about the act of creation—not as something to be controlled or forced, but as something to be experienced, moment by moment. It’s an invitation to let go of expectations, to explore freely, and to embrace the unknown. Whether you are an artist, a writer, or someone who simply enjoys creating, there is much to be learned from this approach: that the most profound discoveries are often made not when we seek to understand every detail, but when we allow ourselves the freedom to be surprised by what emerges.

As we continue to work, to create, to explore, we too can open windows—both in our art and in our lives—and see what unfolds. Perhaps something will happen. Or perhaps, the journey itself will become the masterpiece.