Limitations enhance not limit

"The absence of limitations is the enemy of art." Orson Wells

Any artist can tell you limitations enhance their art and stretches their creativity. Whether it is the limitation inherit in their chosen medium or thrust on them by a client limitations are often where voice is found.

I think of a book I just read. The main character was an artist that had lost her vision and will to paint for a variety of reasons. She was given the opportunity by an old client to do a series of painting which she reluctantly took. The client had one limitation - she could paint what she saw, she had to paint what she felt. A tall order but one that freed her from her self imposed confinement.

I was recently asked by my brother to come up with some color schemes for an app he is designing. I must admit to being a bit overwhelmed - the possibilities were endless. A few days later he sent me an email outlining what he needed. A Triad color scheme. That limitation allowed me to focus and soon I had 16 color schemes for him and truly didn't want to stop.

As in art so in life. Limitations in life - whether they be rules or laws or commandments - are ultimately freeing when followed.

Being Visionary

Jonathan Swift stated "Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others."

We call those who stand at the precipice of their chosen fields and guide the direction of the field visionaries. But is there something unique to their personality that allows them to see beyond what is right in front of them or can it be a cultivated trait - a learned mindset? Can anyone cultivate the art of seeing?

I think with practice - yes.

Cutting edge, forward thinking can be practiced. It's seeking out the connections and patterns that can be used to however unlikely in your field. I think of the new innovation of electrically conductive Lego blocks. Making the connection of Legos and electrical conduits seems far fetched until you connect your knowledge of electrical currents and Lego blocks and it becomes obvious. Then comes the hard work of making it happen! You can train your mind to seek out those random connections through practice. Practice connecting random objects around you and you will find it soon becomes a habit and you will see connections everywhere.

Visionaries are not born with 'the vision' they cultivate it over a lifetime of seeking it.