If we’re going to creatively solve the world’s challenges, we’ve got to ramp up our curiosity and seek inspiration from the greats who went before.
Artist and social activist Ben Shahn was once asked by a student to name a quality art school. His response, “A good art school is one that has a good art museum you have to pass by to get to.”
Ask yourself, what am I trying to learn about? To master? In what area would I like to grow?
Then, what is the Louvre, the MOMA or Smithsonian of that world? What museum should I have to pass on a regular basis? How can I be exposed to the masters who have struggled, or still struggle, on canvases similar to mine?
We can read biographies, watch documentaries, read the works of the heroes of social change. Of course, as in the case of art galleries, we’re just looking. And that’s important. But there’s little risk, little growth. How can we learn by doing? Can we cross paths with some movers and shakers? People who would stretch us? Make us uncomfortable? Maybe help us discover a new way?
By the way, if it’s up, you can walk past Ben Shahn’s Paterson, New Jersey, (above) at the Smithsonian.
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