The Genius of Genius

When someone knows what they're doing--I mean, really knows what they're doing--it's a thing of beauty. It truly awes me down to my toenails.

I know a couple educators that have that (including my wife). I have a friend that's a banker that knows loans inside and out. I've heard a few musicians whose brilliance can make my heart stop. And I've known some writers that can make their words a breathing entity.

In Mother's Arms, D. Gerhartz, Oil on canvas, 2017

It comes not from being merely a technician, or merely a hard-worker, it comes from a passion from one's soul and an innate ability to see things differently, and react to things differently, from regular Joes like me.

Today I spent the afternoon at the Museum of Wisconsin Art in West Bend, WI, taking in an exhibit called "Daniel Gerhartz: The Continuum of Beauty."  And it was one of those awe-to-the-toenails experiences.

Full disclosure, I know the artist. Actually, I knew his dad. They lived in a little village not far from my home. I went to the exhibit today because some twenty years ago, I was lucky enough to accompany his dad, Gary, to Dan's studio (but I was too stupid to realize my good fortune). Dan was talking about the snow, and I made some comment about how easy that must be to paint. If I recall correctly, he said, to the contrary, it wasn't just white--there were all different shades and hues throughout. I just nodded with my usual blank stare and said, "Uh-huh."

Later, I realized that this was the definition of genius. I was just too dumb to notice. So today, I went to revisit that genius. And I marveled. And I thought what a wonderful thing it must be to be a genius.

And what an amazing thing it is to witness one.


For a glimpse at Gerhartz's thoughts and process, check out some video clips here. For his works, visit his website.