It’s a common theme.
A strong bully verses weak victim.
But this story is reversed.
On a global scale.
Britain sought control over a seemingly weaker Eastern power.
India.
But one inspiring man, wrapped in bed sheets, had a different idea.
Point 1. Gandhi understood the power of humility over intimidation.
His weapon?
The collective Asian spirit.
With his gentle leadership, the vulnerable Indians conquered a violent bully.
Gandhi was a native Indian, but educated at the University of London.
He knew the enemy’s weakness.
Arrogance.
Gandhi desired to give his nation a special legacy.
An enormous gift.
Freedom from British tyranny.
The feeling of Independence.
He succeeded.
During his indomitable quest, Gandhi taught the largely uneducated Indian people a simple principle.
‘Satyagraha’
Which is the resistance to tyranny by civil disobedience.
An innovative idea for the time.
Non-violent people power swept the country like an epidemic.
On a very large scale.
Point 2. A frail humble old man conquered the full strength of British power.
The bully was beaten.
Without a single weapon.
India’s independence was achieved in 1948.
An Amazing feat.
A gentle man, Gandhi taught, “There would be nothing to frighten you, if you refuse to be afraid”
He cared deeply for his people.
Gandhi’s (1869-1948) birthday is now commemorated internationally as a day of non-violence.
So how does this inspirational Indian leader relate to original art?
Gandhi was a highly creative individual.
Let me show you the link.
Here’s an important fact…
Point 3. Gandhi shared a devoted relationship with his mother.
Interestingly, many of history’s great minds had a close bond to their mother.
Ladies are strong communicators often expressing deep emotions. They care.
Women dress in many colours.
Their intuition is finely tuned.
Women are softer, more expressive than men.
Less likely to use aggressive violence.
When a son has a close relationship with his mother, it greatly impacts the male’s personality and creative ability.
Here’s the reason why…
Point 4. Creativity comes from the feminine side of life.
In my experience, women appreciate art more easily than men.
The large majority of my customers are women.
Unlike masculine western countries, the Asian soul is feminine.
Sensitive in nature.
But the Indians proved the power of Eastern humility and sensitivity, over Western arrogance and intimidation.
Indians are smart people. Now world leaders in technology.
They’re no longer afraid of any western super power.
India is growing strong. Independence builds confidence.
Here’s the similarity…
When a creative person refuses to be afraid, rejecting arrogant comments designed to intimidate their sensitive soul, something amazing happens…
Confidence grows.
And strength arises.
Negative comments lose their power.
“Your wasting your life on art”
“You’ll never survive doing art”
“Your living in fantasy land”
“Get a real job”
These comments must be rejected.
Discouragement comes from every direction.
A thick skin is needed when defending your soul and fighting for creative survival.
Like the Indians, the journey towards independence can be rough for a creative person.
Despite the setbacks, I’ve sought freedom from greed and arrogant intimidation.
At all times.
The greatest freedom comes when I accept the truth.
I’m an artist.
Acceptance and genuine humility brings peace to a sensitive soul.
Point 5. Being true to oneself, independence is strengthened.
Relaxation and clarity arrives.
Freedom from tyranny and fear.
The cowardly bully is conquered.
Negative comments ignored.
Love refills.
Artistic vision returns and the imagination soars.
Free again to create beautiful paintings like the one below.
‘Happy Couple’ by Simon Brushfield (2011) Acrylic & Carcoal on canvas 1m x 1m