Unique?

Obviously creative types care about being, well, creative. Unique. One-of-a-kind.

And we are. Every maker and artist has a style all their own.

But then again, are we that unique? After all, Ecclesiastes says ‘There’s nothing new under the sun’ and even the most cutting edge technique still springs from historic, time-tested methods.

So what DOES make us unique?

I think time is an important factor. We have to make a lot of art, and have a lot of life experiences, and fail a lot. All of that nudges us closer to our distinct voice in the world.

Lately though, I’ve been thinking that our uniqueness is a mash-up, a mixed tape, a cake baked with all the ingredients that make us…US.

So, I sit in my studio each day (not that unique), and I paint portraits (been happening for thousands of years), in Medford (ok, we’re narrowing things down, but there are a LOT of artists here).

I also get to know the story behind each subject, I pray for them as I paint, I display/exhibit their art in ways that elevates their worth.

And that is my uniqueness. It’s a cocktail of ME. I love to paint. I love people. I love to heap dignity on humans. I live in Oregon. I’m female. Etc. Etc. Etc.

Nothing about me is that original (and I don’t mind!). But my unique combination of mind, heart, ability, experiences, and beliefs give me something to offer the world.

You are the same as me. You are also unique. (ha!) You are the you-est you there is. And we need you. I need you. The world is better with you in it.