Three Unique, Unconventional Gift Ideas For The Artist

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Three Unique, Unconventional Gift Ideas For The Artist

by Les Anderson

Are you thinking of the perfect gift for that artist who is close to your heart? For the artist, what gifts can you give that keep on giving and will be appreciated for years to come? Here are some unique, unconventional gift ideas for that special artist.

A few years ago, there was a gentleman who appeared on the American Idol TV show. Personally, I was pulling for him because he seemed like a nice guy. He didn't sing very well. He didn't make it to Hollywood. When the judges asked him what made him think he could sing when it was obvious to the judges that he couldn't, he replied, "My family says I sing like Brian McKnight."

Now that's sad. This poor guy couldn't carry a tune in a bucket, but his family, well intentioned I'm sure, told him he sings like Brian McKnight. Whatever good his family meant for him only served to embarrass the gentleman on national television.

1. A Certificate of Honest Assessment

This can be in the form of a pledge on paper, a written note, or an actual certificate. Suggested wording could be something similar to this:

"I promise that from this day forward, I will give you an honest but gentle assessment of your artwork. I promise I will not degrade your work, but I will not build it up beyond my actual opinion. I promise that any negative assessment I give will be done strictly because of my love for you as a person and as an artist."

At a place I used to work, it was understood that the senior workers would help the newbies. This help took place for years if necessary, and as the rookies became veterans, they would help the new set of newbies. Of all the veterans at that company, one man stands out in my mind. This man was the busiest person in his department. He had the heaviest workload because was the best at what he did.

When I asked this man a question, he would stop what he was doing, put down his tools and utensils and turn to face me. It didn't matter what he was in the middle of doing. When he was ready to answer my question, he turned to face me. He made me feel like I was the only other person in the room. He made me feel like my question was important to him, and that I was important as a person. He directed all his attention to me.

2. A Pledge of Attention

The paper, note or certificate:

"I pledge attention to my artist, for the time needed to listen to the substance of what my artist is saying; to fervently attempt to understand the meaning my artist is trying to convey, and to try to see my artist's point of view with respect to the piece on which my artist is working. I further pledge I will not feign interest, but make a concerted effort to actually be interested in what my artist is saying, so that my feedback will be relevant and useful."

Years ago, I went to be measured for a tuxedo in my hometown so I could phone the measurements in to an out of town rental store where I was to be in a wedding. One store I went to had a young salesperson working there who picked up the tape measure, but didn't know what to do with it. He called for a more experienced person, an older lady, to take my measurements.

When I told her I came to be measured for a tuxedo, she stood back, looked me up and down and pronounced, "You're a medium."

I said, "What?"

She repeated, "You're a medium."

I said, "I came to be measured for a tuxedo. I need you to take my measurements and write them down so I can phone them in to the place I intend to rent the tux."

She replied, "I know. You're a medium. Just tell them you're a medium."

I went somewhere else to be measured.

3. An Oath of Time

"To my artist: I hereby assure you that I will give you the full time you ask from me, to view, to discuss and to measure your artwork. From now on, you will not feel that I am rushing to judgment with respect to your art, when you ask for my opinion. Your work is worthy of me taking the time to measure it as you have asked. I further declare that you are not now, and you will never be, a medium."

These are but three ideas for the perfect gift for your artist. What better gifts for the artist can you give that keep on giving, and will be appreciated for years to come?

I guarantee your artist will appreciate these unique, unconventional gifts. And how much more so, when you follow through with the sentiment they contain!

canvas and pen by Levi's Rain™

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Three Unique, Unconventional Gift Ideas For The Artist