Spacehamster’s Blog

The last time anyone heard of Ariana Richards was as Lexx in the Steven Spielberg film Jurassic Park. With her blonde hair and pretty eyes she was pretty hard to miss. Over a decade later and my goodness, how things have changed. Ariana Richards is now known as a highly respected artist who won first place prize in the National Professional Oil Painting Competition sponsored by American Artist Magazine.

Like most other plebes, I don’t really know about art, but I know what I like. I respond to artistic pieces on a gut-instinctual level. Either I like it, or I don’t. And I really like Ariana Richards artistic pieces - there’s a feeling of serenity and peace from her work that I find incredibly soothing. You can find some examples of her work here.

So why her, exactly? Its obvious, from her paintings at least, that Ariana is content and happy being a successful artist. Every once in awhile I mull over my current situation - am I happy doing what I’m doing? Leading the life that I am? Would I be happier with a career that fulfils a more creative need? After all, being an IT Programmer isn’t exactly considered an artistically fulfilling pursuit, or a personally fulfilling one.

Or is it?

I believe that the best programming code has an elusive ebb and flow, a logic of its own, that reflects the personality of the person who programmed it. With the advent of Web-based applications, having an artistic eye is more important than ever. Just take a look at sites like Amazon.com or Zen Garden if you want examples of just how important creative skills really really are. Do you really think the layouts would look even half-as-good if the creators didn’t have an eye for artistry or aesthetics?

When my parents brought me to my first music lesson, I don’t think they had any idea of the really huge impact it would have on my life. They only saw the technical skill in playing the violin or a piano, or the pride that comes from seeing your children on stage. I don’t think they’ve ever appreciated the artistic fulfillment and contentment that comes from playing a piece of music, and responding to it internally on a spiritual and emotional level.

To be a truly great musician or artist, it isn’t enough to have great technical skill. You have to have that elusive creative spark. For the same reason, I believe that great programmers also need that creative or intuitive flair. It comforts me to know that I’ve chosen a career and an occupation where creative and spiritual impulses do have a place, even though to the external eye they may seem elusive.