Through the Eyes of an Artist

Last week I mentioned an internal clash between logic and creativity. If you have not yet read my previous post, I recommend you do so before continuing, as I will pursue the thought somewhat. Although I will not circle this blog around logic versus creativity, I want to address the topic once more. I have turned it over in my mind a lot, and I believe I might have found some helpful advice.

If you walk the line between concrete and abstract thinking—or if you simply feel drained of creativity—I encourage you to pause and observe your surroundings. Sometimes we become so rushed, caught up in the ceaseless current of the world, but even a mere ten seconds of thought can make a difference. Because when you stop walking from A to B, when you stop taking life from one event to the next, your brain will slow and not compute like an overworked computer.

Artists are odd creatures. They may or may not blend in with society, but their eyes see so much. If you do not consider yourself an artist, you may be wondering what they see because, after all, we live in a tangible world. You can pick up or alter the state of anything you see, and a lamp is just a lamp. But an artist, however, can view that same lamp as a tall friend with curly hair. An artist can interpret it as fierce illumination, and paint something with it as inspiration.

So how do you see through an artist’s eyes?

The answer: exercising your right brain, turning against the current, and listening. Sit on a bench for ten minutes without checking your cell phone or fretting about work and deadlines. You can allow life to pull you along, but peer out of the window every so often. And make a point to view the world differently. Because once you sit in a thoughtful silence, your eyes will see so much more, and you will think less in equations.

To conclude this post, I want to tack on a list of recent instances I followed this advice. Hopefully, if you are still confused, it will provide some direction.

Ascending a flight of stairs (we suffer from not looking up enough):

The dangling blinds sliced the sun, and the pieces smeared across the wall. Dust drifted down upon me, illuminated by the myriad of smoldering horizons.

Sitting on a bench beneath a tree:

Although summer still lingered, I saw traces of arriving autumn. The leaves fell onto my metal bench like rain beneath an umbrella, and the air had become cooled by a calm weariness. I saw the word anticipation in red and purple letters.

Waiting for an elevator:

Some of the trees seemed soaked in lemon juice, their leaves of yellow tinge and frayed at the edges. As I picked them out of the dense fog, the arrow above the elevator door turned yellow.


In short, do not be afraid to stop and smell the roses. It will, without question, boost your creativity. Take inspiration from even the most mundane environments, and you will grow.

Author: Callie Matthews

"I have hated the words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right." - The Book Thief

5 thoughts on “Through the Eyes of an Artist”

  1. I love how you took what you were saying in your post and applied it to your daily life. Your writing style is so lovely.

  2. YES, YES, YES! This is everything I needed in life! Love this, Callie Matthews <3 So many snaps for you, my friend 🙂

  3. Wow your intelligence really shined through on this post. I completely agree on what you said and for now on I going to use the advice you gave. I feel like it could help me tremendously.

  4. I needed this. I am always so caught up in life that I never stop and appreciate the little things. I need to stop and smell the roses forreal. The wake up call I needed!

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