Uniquely Yours: Cultivating Artistic Expression
Written by Jesse Burgardt
artwork by Jesse Burgardt
"In wildness is the preservation of the world." ~Henry David Thoreau
Thoreau was describing wildness in nature, but I believe his quote is also relevant to the wildness in us: unique creativity. By allowing our wild creativity to emerge, we open our hearts to receive a unique and personal blessing, un-like anyone else's. We can hone our creativity by setting future goals, gaining wisdom from our mentors, and relying on the ultimate Creator.
Some of my goals include acquiring as much joy and wisdom as I can and to see heaven manifested on earth. My artwork (which happens to be portraiture) parallels these ideas through vibrant colors, positive themes, and intense, yet lovely, concepts. What I seek in my life inevitably ends up in what I draw. I believe this will also happen in your creative endeavors; what you focus on will be reflected in your artwork.
My interconnection with God becomes seemingly tangible when I draw. This manifestation of God's presence is similar to the results of deep mediation. Which for me, means that focus and peace are buoyed to the surface of my life, and a type of clarity or understanding unfolds. I start to know how to pray for the person in my portrait. Certain- ly, this unique aspect of drawing is part of my attraction to working in art.
I started my art journey at a young age. At eight years old, immediately after the occurrence of major trauma - my dad's death - I began drawing portraits. I sat in my little desk, in my small 3rd-grade class, tears welling up while my teacher, Mrs. Mimmet, excused me to the round table in the back of the room. She gave me paper and crayons and asked me, “Why don’t you draw you and your dad?” That first drawing of people brought me peace and comfort, which I now know was divine help. So I continued to draw at every opportunity.
At age fourteen, I took art lessons from an artist named Barbara Capps, who was a fairy-believing anarchist, and whose spirit enlightened mine. She asked me what I wanted to draw. I responded, “faces.” So, she taught me how to draw faces. For three years, she continued to teach me a solid drawing skill set (and also an endearing fondness of the fae folk). This goal of attaining joy was evident while I drew with Barbara, who represented every aspect of the art world that I wanted in my life.
In college, like every studious biology major, I sought out mentor-ship. My ancient Greek philosophy professor, Dr. T, was one of those life-guides. He showed me how to think critically with examples of literature by The Great Thinkers such as Aristotle, Xenophanes, Aristophanes, and Gadamer (modern), to name a few. Their writing absolutely changed me. I became confident that art from one's soul is important and holds wisdom. Side note about the ancient Greeks: they valued the arts just as much as any other part of learning...and for that matter, physical fitness.
I received encouragement in my pursuit of portraiture and nuggets of joy and wisdom from people like Mrs. Memmit, Barbara, and Dr. T. God led me to these mentors and many many more.
artwork by Jesse Burgardt
My art path may be very different from your own. You might be politically active, or into social movements, or on a fully spiritual bend, or all of them. But, I can guarantee you that your art path IS important, and that God has placed certain people in your path to help you. My own encouragement for you is that you have fun, seek wisdom, and walk hand-in-hand with God, the ultimate, abundant Creator. Also, remember that your beautiful thoughts lead to inspired actions and that your action represents a reflection of heaven to the world. Your artwork is just one way that occurs.
