For the Love of Creation

Today as I wandered through the Hall of 500 at the Palazzo Vecchio, I overheard a tour guide as he spoke about an unfinished sculpture of Michelangelo's on display in the hall. This particular piece was very close to completion at the time of Michelangelo's death, just unfinished enough to allow a glimpse into the development of the sculpture. I was surprised to learn that another unfinished piece existed. I thought only "The Prisoners", on display at the Accademia, were the extent of his unfinished work.

"Michelangelo was more interested in the process of his art than in the end result. He created art solely for his love of the creation, not for the display of the finished piece," the guide explained. "In his opinion, perfection was not desirable or attainable. But do you see, ironically, the perfection he has attained simply by allowing the creation to emerge from the unfinished stone? His love for the creation itself has allowed it to be exactly as it should be. Perfect."

I stopped and stared at this man, no longer trying to conceal the fact that I had been eavesdropping. He turned and smiled, then moved on with his paying guests. I had to sit down. Those words had touched something inside of me and I needed a moment to compose my thoughts (and to write down what the guide had said, so I didn't forget).

I have had a serious case of writer's block for the past few months. Much like the block of stone from which Michelangelo would release the magnificence of his creation, my words have been encased in a prison of my own making. In my fear of the display of the finished piece, I have ignored my love of the creation. I have not allowed the unfolding of that which is already inside of me, choosing instead to keep it locked away from prying eyes. I have chosen my fear of what the creation will be, rather than loving the creation into its own sense of what it wants to be.

This chance encounter was no accident. This was a message meant for me to hear. I am going to once again pick up my chisel and allow the words to flow, to become exactly what they want to be, solely for the love of the creation. This should be interesting to see what develops.