The meaning of painting

'We make a mark on the canvas and when we look back, we see something that seemingly was not there a moment ago. And there is that miracle: by virtue of making marks, we have created ourselves a tiny bit more – and we actually can see more, feel more, because we have become more, by that tiny bit.'

I read this today (courtesy link), from an article titled 'The real reason we paint: The final answer.' I loved the way this para had been put, though don't think as a reason it's the 'final answer'! It did however point out to me something I have understood and experienced, but never put in words myself. So I post it here because it means something to me and I'd like to validate that part of my personal experience as an artist and designer - that I don't just create to comment on the world/life or to simply make something attractive to look at or to serve a purpose, but I also do it because I am compelled - I grow richer by doing it and that is a sublime experience.

Painting is a dialogue between the paint, canvas and me - I make something new - I create and subsequently I feel richer - the act of painting gives back to me, it talks, whispers, shouts and sings, letting  me know if I am on the right track somewhere in that space between my heart and head. Right track? Life. When I paint I see myself as having one foot in the now, the real and one in that 'other space'. I am bridging two worlds. It's a balancing act and through keeping the balance, through making marks and making each one count, I take incremental steps closer to being who I want to be - where I understand all I can and I am at peace with all I cannot.

The more I paint, the more I am!