Art, Life, and Professional Business

As a business director and professional artist and therapist, over the years I’ve learned many lessons that inform my work.

• Creativity Drives Innovation: Both art and business thrive on creative thinking. Art encourages out-of-the-box ideas, which can lead to innovative solutions in professional settings. Embracing creativity in business can foster an environment where unique ideas flourish and help differentiate a brand in the marketplace.

At the same time, art is part of real life. By this I mean that often the creativity of art practice needs structure and discipline. Over the years I have often sided with this emphasis because my father taught me this was most important. To take care of business first, then enjoy the art! He was often right! But he was also an artist who never enabled his gifts to shine as he did not give himself the time and opportunities to engage this side of life. In a way, that is kind of sad. But he did what gave him life and what he loved flourished. So he was a very successful man.

Long and short? Sometimes business dominates. Getting this website up and running is a good example of how that time and focus needed my attention - so work in the painting and ceramic studio suffered for a couple of months. This is why I gave this website project a deadline, because I knew it was one of those exciting projects that I want to get right. The perfectionist in me could spend a whole year doing this. As a creative or loving person, or as an artist, you also have to contain and channel the business and get back to art and life practice.

• Emotional Connection: Art elicits emotion and can resonate deeply with individuals. In business, creating an emotional connection with customers can enhance brand loyalty. Understanding the customer’s journey and what moves them can help in crafting compelling narratives around products or services.

This point is really important. I am by nature a hermit, that is my solitary life is built on a childhood with no social media and not much TV or radio either. I grew up in the natural settings of Hatchet Lake, Nova Scotia. The woods, bog lands, lakes, and rivers were my playground. For days we sat waiting for the deer to cross the path. They did come, and we watched in silence. They observed us sitting there and came close. We almost touched, but my heart learned to still and become calm. No movement that might frighten them. This moment drew my body and mind into stillness.

So emotional connection is real. It is part of my love and care for others. It is part of my desire to help as a therapist. It is my intuitive vision and empathy that sees beyond people’s words and deeds. It allows me to feel and see deeply, with the ‘third eye’ of insight. This comes through in my music, poetry, painting, and pottery. It also defines my business practices. And is why I have to draw back often and take time to process. I cannot pump outcomes 24/7 but must respect the timing of the heart and soul. Thankfully my directing a company has allowed this freedom.

• Collaboration is Key: Artists often collaborate with other creatives, bringing diverse perspectives to their work. In the professional world, collaborative efforts can lead to greater success. Sharing ideas and resources with team members can enhance productivity and innovation within an organisation.

This is true. But to be honest, my dad also said if you want to get anything really done well, do it yourself. This is not as politically correct. But he was right to some extent. The key today though is to know when to outsource! So we do this in a lot of areas. Accounting is one of these! Thank heavens for a great accountant who keeps our business obligations in check.

Art is fascinating. We have played the lone ranger a lot. But we have also played along with artists, teachers, mentors, and are building relationships with others in the industry. Art practice helps us to expand out of the hermit social isolation into a community. In therapy we call this a community of practice. In this realm we work with psychiatrists, child specialists, family doctors, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, support coordinators, and a range of disability and mental health support people and of course, parents and families. Such a diverse and deep commitment to collaboration in therapy work creates more positive and practical outcomes for people in need. There is much that people across the arts and therapy sectors can learn from each other.

• Perseverance and Adaptability: The artistic process often involves trial and error, teaching resilience. Similarly, in business, the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and persist through challenges is crucial for long-term success. Embracing setbacks as learning opportunities can propel individuals and organisations forward.

This is so true. Need I say more?

• Storytelling: Art tells a story, conveying messages and themes through visual means. In business, storytelling is a powerful tool to communicate values, mission, and vision. Crafting a compelling narrative helps in engaging customers and conveying the essence of a brand.

Yes there is a lot of talk about this these days. In a ancient teaching we say, our stories are our medicine. In my heart there is a place for cultures of stories that are not about branding per se. They carry the energy of people, real people. To be authentic means to be with people in real and useful ways. This is about making life better for someone else. This is not really the tenor of social media these days. It seems to be about Number One. Sadly the media formats promote this ethos that is not good for the sustainability of society and family life.

That said, when you deepen your ethics and try to find ways to express your story to help others, magic can happen sometimes. And at other times, not much happens at all. It seems to depend on who is listening and if you can make connections with the people who can relate and resonate.

Art that connects with others always tells important stories.

• Cultural Reflection: Both art and business reflect the society in which they exist. Understanding cultural trends and societal values can inform both artistic expression and business strategies. This awareness can lead to more relevant and impactful works or products.

Yes true, but I reserve the word trends and suggest that sometimes reviewing trends critically is useful. You put your other eye to look at ancient wisdom and enduring truths. Then you come up with ways to speak to today’s needs in more sustainable ways. Chasing trends can be soul destroying. And it can motivate action.

• Lifelong Learning: Artists continuously seek new techniques, styles, and inspirations. In business, staying relevant means embracing ongoing education and professional development. Knowledge of industry trends and skills can keep a business competitive and innovative.

These insights have guided me over the years. It is exciting to realise what we have accomplished. And to look forward to new ventures.

• Balance Between Passion and Profession: Many artists pursue their passion deeply, yet find ways to monetise their work. Similarly, finding a harmony between passion and profession in business can lead to greater satisfaction and success. Passion fuels commitment, while business acumen ensures sustainability.

How true, and we feel that passion is a soulful energy. The power does not come from surface desires. The real sustaining power comes from the fire in the gut, that place of profound realisation. You get there when you awaken to what really motivates you. Funny enough, this could be quite selfish. It can also be really misguided. But you have to take whatever comes up in your gut and listen. Then ask that part of you, what do you REALLY want for me?

The seemingly selfish or misguided part will then tell you what it really wants for you. You will probably be surprised. This inner voice of hundreds of clients we have heard over the years has always come down to central desires that are very beautiful and profound. Sometimes it is a desire for protection, or success to make someone proud, or for more joy or peace or enjoyment, or for less stress. By listening to what comes up, you discover by asking the same question again many times, what your inner wisdom wants for you. Yes, inner wisdom. We all have this. But most of us never learned how to find and to listen to this part of ourselves.

Well, I am here to tell you that both art and business provide opportunities for this learning to happen. To literally transform our lives and give us new options and choices.

• Community Engagement: Art has the power to bring people together, creating a sense of community. Businesses that engage with their local or broader community not only enhance their brand image but also foster goodwill and loyalty among customers. Community involvement can lead to new opportunities and partnerships.

These ideas are also ideals, and so much depends simply on what you can accomplish today with your limited resources and time. In a global marketplace online, many of us may move beyond local and regional settings to reach people nationally or in other countries. Businesses that build relationships with others do this in all manner of ways these days.

Art, and business, like therapy do bring people together. This is magic when this happens to make people’s lives better and more beautiful.

Embracing these key ideas can lead to a more holistic approach to art and business, fostering an environment where creativity, connection, and innovation thrive together.

- Dr Jorandi Kisiku Joseph Randolph Bowers