From the local newspaper, Kingsport, TN Times-News, 31Oct2010. p. 2D:

It’s time for us to think like artists by Shelburne Ferguson

Most of us in Kingsport value the transformation of our downtown from decades of decline and decay to the vibrant revitalization that stretches across ever widening blocks of our center city. The work of hundreds of people has brought about this progress in a variety of ways.

Some residents may view the addition of public art to our city’s streetscapes as mere window dressing. I consider the presence of these expressions of talent as pivotal to leading Kingsport to become the city known for its collective imagination, innovation and creativity.

I will be as bold as to make a prediction. I forecast that our occasional brushing up against this public art along our sidewalks on a daily basis will eventually rub off on us to the end that some of us begin to think like artists.

Have you ever considered how artists think? Have you thought about how important creativity, innovation and imagination (which artists possess in abundance) are to the success of your business enterprises? Consider how important fostering innovation and creativity is in helping the United States stay competitive on the world markets.

I encourage you to consider how artists think. Then learn from the artists’ way of looking at our world. It’s time for all of us to start thinking like artists.

• Artists observe more closely the world around them than do most other people.

• Artists realize that great achievements often follow a long trail of mistakes.

• Artists see what the rest of us don’t see.

• Artists have long attention spans.

• Artists don’t fear taking risks and suffering   possible failures.

• Artists don’t give up easily.

• Artists look for the connections.

• Artists like challenges.

• Artists see what is not there.

• Artists arrange things in unique and fascinating ways.

• Artists don’t mind fantasy.

• Artists like combining things that never shared a canvas before.

• Artists don’t care if others think they’re weird.

• Artists find beauty in things the rest of us once thought were ugly.

• Artists take a chance doing things never done before.

• Artists see competition as a challenge not something to be feared.

• Artists combine old things in new ways.

• Artists see failure as merely an idea or concept that just didn’t work out.

• Artists get accustomed to being balanced precariously on the cutting edge.

• Artists often don’t take the same direction in getting to the same point.

• Artists don’t mind working hard.

• Artists are often colorful people.

• Artists let their work speak for itself.

• Artists don’t mind sharing the spotlight with the Creator and the Created.

• Artists are more analytical than you think.

• Artists have to let out their creative energy or it will dissipate.

• Artists have an irresistible urge to express themselves.

• Artists are usually a step ahead of the rest and are off the road most traveled.

• Artists seek to look over the horizon.

I’m pleased that our city understands how important public art is to developing not only an appreciation for art but an appreciation for what art on the street corner can do to encourage us to start thinking like artists. What are you thinking about today? Visit Broad Street and its environs and be motivated to think like an artist.

Mr. Ferguson is an attorney, businessman, and management consultant in Kingsport (and a friend of my parents). His e-mail address is  shelburne@ferguson-lawoffice.com.