Art: It's anything you want it to be.

One of the many of the author's scribblies. (By Patti Danner)

Art. The very word conjures up different definitions for different people. To some, the word invokes classic works by great masters. For others, it defines crayon scrawls displayed on refrigerators or drawn naughtily on walls. To still others, art means creative expression, music, poetry, song and dance. One of the greatest things about art is that it can mean almost anything to anyone, and it generally makes most folks happy.

To me, there is art in everything. I feel artistic right now, typing words on a keyboard and communicating with you. I feel artistic when I put on makeup, arrange a meal on a plate, or hang a calendar on the wall.

I've always felt compelled to express myself, and have always been attracted to artistic people, places and things. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I found many outlets for creative expression and discovered inspiration as well. Beginning several years ago, I found the utmost pleasure in what I now call my "scribblies", abstract and colorful representations of my feelings and impressions. Over the years, this simple and relaxing activity has grown and blossomed, currently consuming a large part of my spare time and energy. I never really thought of my scribblies as anything that anybody else would find as attractive as I do, but once I was brave enough to share a few with friends and then post some for the Facebook world to see, I started to gain the confidence one gets from the approval of others. I have to say, it felt just wonderful to have others validate my work. With that little bit of self-confidence under my belt, everything changed. I started seeing my work through the eyes of others and making each piece as detailed and eye-catching as I could. I find myself eager to scribble these days, wanting to get my colorful visions on paper the second I get home so as not to lose them. I'm taking it all more seriously of late, even forming a collaboration collective known as Akumi Art Associates, with local artist Eric Wolfe. Wolfe begins a canvas with his abstract expression, hands it over to yours truly, and I and my Sharpies complete the work. Plans are even underway to show our creations both locally and in bigger cities regionally. We have lots of ideas and big fat dreams! My scribblies have become a larger part of who I am than I could ever have dreamed, and it all feels so right.

Most, if not all, of my friends are artists in some way. I believe everyone has an artistic side and there are as many different ways to express art as there are different types of people. I have found Linton to be a particularly artistic community, using my broad definition. We have painters and poets, writers and musicians, people who grow beauty from the green earth, and those who brighten our city just by living in it.

What is your artistic expression? Come on, you know you have at least one! Do you cook, make your own clothing, or do landscaping? Do you like to take pictures, wrap gifts, or sing in the shower? Do you color your hair or decorate your home for the holidays? These are all expressions of your inner artist and your creativity. Be proud of what you create and take some satisfaction in knowing that however and whatever you create, you're making the world a more interesting place to live.

Patti is a staff writer at Greene County Daily World, and can be reached at pattippdanner@gmail.com or at 812-847-4487.