Seeing Like An Artist

Skyspace by artist James Turrell, an artist who uses light and space to shape how we perceive the world. Photo: Giorgio Colombo.

Have you ever wondered how artists see the world? What separates the way an artist approaches a blank canvas, a simple sheet of paper, or a piece of clay from how the rest of us approach our daily lives?

For many artists, the work begins long before the artwork itself. It starts by being a meticulous observer and noticing details others might overlook: the surface of a swimming pool, the way light shines through a window, or the interaction between two people in a fleeting moment. From there, the creative process can unfold in different ways. Some artists rely on careful planning, like Fanny Sanín, who develops geometric compositions through methodical drawings. Others, like Heather Rubinstein, work more intuitively, using painterly drips to guide the work.

What many artists share, however, is a willingness to remain curious and to sit with uncertainty. The studio becomes a lab for experimentation where materials are tested, ideas evolve, and mistakes are often just as important as successes.

Spending time with artists over the years has shown me that their greatest skill may not simply be making objects, but maintaining a heightened awareness of the world around them. They remind us that creativity is not limited to the studio; it is a way of looking. In many ways, we can all borrow from this approach. By slowing down, observing more closely, and allowing ourselves the freedom to experiment, we open the door to seeing the world with fresh eyes.

Be sure to follow my Instagram to learn more about how artists see the world.