How art invites us to see—and become—more
“Why should an artist’s way of looking at the world have any meaning for us? Why does it give us pleasure? Because, I believe, it increases our awareness of our own potentiality… A valid work of art promises in some way or another the possibility of an increase, an improvement… For it is not the subject that makes the promise, it is the artist’s way of viewing the subject.” John Berger
This quote beautifully captures the magic of art: its power to shift our perspective and connect us to possibility, even when the subject matter is heavy or tragic.
But how does this work, exactly? Why does the way an artist sees the world feel like a gift to us, the viewer?
Art and the Power of Relationship
As I’ve shared in workshops, creativity isn’t about what you see—it’s about how you see. A great artist invites us into a relationship with the world, asking us to engage differently. Every painting, sculpture, poem, or song says: Here’s what I see—what do you think?
This relationship isn’t passive. Art nudges us toward action, toward change. It whispers (or sometimes shouts):
- Can you see beauty here, even in this struggle?
- What might you become if you leaned into this moment?
- What possibilities could this open up for you?
That’s why art feels alive. It meets us where we are but doesn’t leave us there.
The Promise of Possibility
A valid work of art doesn’t have to be cheerful or “positive” to hold promise. Some of the most powerful pieces are raw, tragic, or unsettling. Yet even in their darkness, they expand us. Why? Because the artist’s way of seeing carries an invitation: Look deeper. See more. Become more.
It’s this promise that resonates with us. We walk away from great art feeling something. Not always joy, but growth, connection, or even the stirrings of transformation.
The Artist in All of Us
You don’t have to be a painter or sculptor to embody this way of seeing. In my work with creatives, I emphasize that the “artist’s way” is a way of living. It’s about cultivating curiosity, wonder, and a willingness to look beyond the obvious.
When we see the world through an artist’s eyes—whether we’re writing, cooking, gardening, or simply noticing the light filtering through the trees—we open ourselves to possibility. And when we invite others to see what we see, we extend that same promise of growth and potentiality.
How to Bring an Artist’s Perspective to Your Life
If you want to embrace the “artist’s way,” try these simple practices:
- Pause to Notice: Take time to really see the world around you. What catches your eye? What stories do you sense beneath the surface?
- Reframe Challenges: Instead of focusing on what’s hard, ask: What’s the hidden beauty or lesson here?
- Share Your Vision: Whether through words, images, or small acts of kindness, invite others into your way of seeing.
- Soak in Beauty: Spend time with art that inspires you. Let it remind you of your own potentiality.
The next time you encounter a work of art, remember: it’s not just about the subject—it’s about the artist’s way of seeing. And in their perspective lies an invitation for your own growth.
So, go ahead: embrace the world like an artist. See its beauty, its pain, its promise. Let it expand your awareness of what’s possible.
