Art is a language that transcends boundaries, and no one understood this better than the 13th-century Persian poet, Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi. His profound wisdom and spiritual insights have inspired countless artists and creatives over the centuries. This blog post delves into the world of Rumi’s wisdom, exploring his perspective on art, creativity, and the act of painting. Through his quotes, we will journey into the depths of artistic expression and the transformative power it holds.
Rumi Quotes on Art
- “Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.”
- Rumi encourages us to make our passion our purpose, to let the things we love guide our actions and creations.
- “You dance inside my chest where no-one sees you, but sometimes I do, and that sight becomes this art.”
- This quote speaks to the intimate connection between the artist and their art. It’s a personal dance, a private dialogue that sometimes, becomes visible in the form of art.
- “Inside you is an artist you don’t know about.”
- Rumi urges us to look within and discover the artist that resides in us, waiting to be acknowledged and expressed.
- “We rarely hear the inward music, but we’re all dancing to it.”
- This quote suggests that we are all artists in our own way, moving and living in rhythm with our inner music, even if we aren’t always aware of it.
- “Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.”
- Rumi emphasizes the power of gentle expression over loud declarations. In art, it’s often the subtle, thoughtful pieces that make the most significant impact.
- “Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.”
- This quote can be interpreted as a call to artists to break down their inner barriers and let their love for their art flow freely.
- “Do not be satisfied with the stories that come before you. Unfold your own myth.”
- Rumi encourages artists to create their own narratives, to not just replicate what has been done before but to contribute their unique perspective.
- “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”
- This quote speaks to the transformative power of pain and struggle, which often serve as catalysts for profound artistic expression.
- “Wherever you are, and whatever you do, be in love.”
- Rumi suggests that love should be at the core of everything we do, including our artistic endeavors.
- “Let yourself be drawn by the stronger pull of that which you truly love.”
- This quote is a reminder to follow our passions, to let what we truly love guide our artistic journey.
Rumi Quotes on Creativity
- “The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear.”
- Rumi suggests that by quieting our minds, we can tap into a deeper well of creativity and inspiration.
- “Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames.”
- This quote encourages us to surround ourselves with people and experiences that fuel our creativity and passion.
- “You become like the 5 people you spend the most time with. Choose carefully.”
- Rumi highlights the influence of our surroundings on our creative output. Surrounding ourselves with inspiring, creative individuals can enhance our own creativity.
- “Love rests on no foundation. It is an endless ocean with no beginning or end.”
- This quote speaks to the boundless nature of love, which can be likened to the limitless potential of our creativity.
- “Only from the heart can you touch the sky.”
- Rumi suggests that when we create from the heart, our work can reach incredible heights.
- “And still, after all this time, the Sun has never said to the Earth, ‘you owe me.’”
- This quote can be interpreted as a reminder to create for the joy of creating, without expecting anything in return.
- “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. I’ll meet you there.”
- Rumi invites us to step beyond conventional thinking and explore the realm of limitless creativity.
- “Do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside of you.”
- This quote reminds us that we carry within us a universe of creative potential.
- “What you seek is seeking you.”
- Rumi suggests that our creative desires are not just our own, but are part of a larger, reciprocal process of seeking and being sought.
- “Now is the time to unite the soul and the world. Now is the time to see the sunlight dancing as one with the shadows.”
- This quote speaks to the harmonious interplay of light and dark, joy and sorrow, in the creative process.
Rumi Quotes on Painting
- “The moon stays bright when it doesn’t avoid the night.”
- This quote can be seen as a metaphor for the artist’s journey, which often involves embracing darkness in order to create something beautiful.
- “Let the beauty we love be what we do.”
- Rumi encourages artists to paint what they love, to let their passion guide their brush.
- “Be like a tree and let the dead leaves drop.”
- This quote can be interpreted as a call to let go of old, unhelpful ideas or techniques in order to grow as an artist.
- “Forget safety. Live where you fear to live. Destroy your reputation. Be notorious.”
- Rumi encourages artists to take risks, to step outside their comfort zones, and to not be afraid of criticism or failure.
- “Knock, And He’ll open the door. Vanish, And He’ll make you shine like the sun.”
- This quote speaks to the transformative power of surrender, of letting go of control and allowing the creative process to unfold naturally.
- “Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.”
- This quote can be seen as a reminder that the connection between the artist and their work is not just visual, but deeply emotional and spiritual.
- “I want to sing like the birds sing, not worrying about who hears or what they think.”
- Rumi encourages artists to create freely, without concern for judgment or approval.
- “When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.”
- This quote speaks to the joy and fulfillment that comes from creating art that is deeply connected to our soul.
- “If you are irritated by every rub, how will your mirror be polished?”
- This quote suggests that challenges and difficulties can serve to refine and improve our art.
- “You were born with wings, why prefer to crawl through life?”
- Rumi encourages us to embrace our potential and soar to new heights in our artistic endeavors.
Conclusion
Rumi’s wisdom offers a profound exploration of art, creativity, and the act of painting. His quotes serve as a reminder of the deep connections between our inner world and our artistic expressions. They encourage us to embrace our passions, to create from the heart, and to let our love for our art guide our journey. As we navigate our own artistic paths, may we carry Rumi’s insights with us, allowing them to inspire and illuminate our way.