There are experiences and situations I aspire to know in this life. Some make sense. I’d like to see Rome, Paris. I’d like to hike down the Grand Canyon. I’d like to learn to speak a foreign language (beyond menu comprehension). And then there are things I’d like to know that, well, don’t make much sense at all. Namely – I’d like to have a mentor.
I’ve felt this way for many, many years. And I’ve never been clear as to exactly what said mentor would teach. I’ve just known I wanted a mentor, that I wanted to be a mentee. It’s dorky, I know.
Anyhoo – I’ve begun work on a new painting. It’s a commission, so I care quite a bit about how it turns out. I very much want the recipient to like it, and because it’s of a personal nature, I want it to have meaning for the family receiving this work. And have I mentioned my painting instructor is on sabbatical? Well he is. And so I’m painting like I do, but I usually at least have the benefit of his telling me to keep going. You see – I don’t always trust myself or my eye. It is during those times that a respected voice can really comfort and inspire, simply by saying something like, “Good, Mikki. Good.” I don’t need crazy praise. And I don’t need someone to do my work for me, either. But I trust my painting teacher, and his opinion is, for me, beyond measure.
So as I’m working on this new piece, I occasionally step back and try to imagine what my teacher would say. I try to see the work through his eyes and hear his comments. This is impossible, of course, but not unhelpful. As it happens, this tactic has led me to make creative choices that are quite beneficial to the painting. And I’m starting to see that I have some capabilities here. There will always be more to learn, but I am learning. And that counts.
At one point while trying to channel my painting instructor, it occurred to me that he is my mentor. That he is teaching me more than I ever imagined, and he is doing it with grace, confidence and refinement. This man is a wonderful artist in his own right, but he is a magnificent teacher, and I truly believe his vein of gold lies in instruction. Not only do I benefit from his artistic knowledge and training, I also benefit from his humanity.
Sometimes we are aware of getting what we want in life. Sometimes we’re not. Finding out I have a mentor took me by surprise. And I am a better person for knowing him. Fingers crossed – I aim to be a worthy mentee…