Just yesterday Laura and I accepted an invitation to help paint a mural which is to be on permanent display on Batavia’s Peace Bridge which spans the Fox River. The park district representative with responsibility for the project mentioned that the mural is expected to last for 20 years or more of display season in and season out. I felt honored to have a small part with the townspeople to place color on the large panels. The panels looked to be about 4 ft by 8 ft, the outlines of the features printed on the surface, numbered to coincide with containers of paint also numbered. We joined with some staff members at Waubonsee Community College. Laura and I represented the Life Long Learning Program which is sponsored by the college.

We spent around two hours, in order to complete the scene on our panel. I was reminded that art is often collaborative. Local artists created the idea of the mural. A sketch was rendered by digital technology onto panels ready for the application of latex paint. Having the company of others with a like focus upon the task, resulted in convivial, agreeable conversation. The time flew.

I was reminded once more that “art” demands practice, study, and the long arc of discipline. I felt out of my element, applying paint to a shape, that required a delicate and steady touch. I did my best. I was there to do a job. Others had a noticeably steady hand, demonstrating by posture, a degree of comfort which I am sure was earned. What degree of mind-body coordination is required to do really good work, something other’s would recognize as “art”?

When you see a photograph, or a painting, or a natural object attractively framed at a summer art fair, you may be tempted to think to yourself, “I could do that”. 

Two points: 1. You didn’t do it.
2. No, you couldn’t do it.