Of course you draw from yourself, but the artistic nourishment

"Of course you draw from yourself, but the artistic nourishment you want to get is be versatile, do something different, and I think I got a chance to do that in a lot of different ways." These words from Jimmy Smits reflect a deep understanding of the artistic process, where true mastery lies not just in drawing from one’s own experiences, but in embracing the versatility of expression. Smits speaks to the idea that creativity is not confined to one mode of expression, but thrives when one dares to venture beyond the familiar. The essence of his quote is a call to push boundaries, to explore different realms of creativity, and to reinvent oneself by stepping into the unknown.

In the ancient world, this pursuit of versatility was exemplified by the Renaissance thinkers and artists. Consider the life of Leonardo da Vinci, a man whose genius spanned painting, engineering, anatomy, and architecture. Da Vinci understood that true artistry and innovation required a diverse approach. His Mona Lisa was not just a portrait, but a study of light, human expression, and emotion. In his notebooks, da Vinci did not limit himself to one area of expertise, but rather sought to understand the world from as many angles as possible. Smits’ words echo this spirit of embracing versatility—the understanding that greatness comes not from specialization alone, but from a willingness to explore, experiment, and evolve in multiple directions.

Similarly, Michelangelo, though famed for his mastery of sculpture and painting, did not define his genius by one medium alone. The Sistine Chapel was his canvas, yet his work as an architect and engineer showcased his broad talents. Michelangelo’s artistic nourishment came not just from the act of sculpting marble, but from his relentless desire to push the limits of what he could do. Smits’ reflection on the importance of versatility aligns with this ancient pursuit of diversity in creation. For both da Vinci and Michelangelo, true mastery was found in the constant evolution of their craft, constantly seeking to transcend their previous work and expand their horizons.

This pursuit of versatility is not confined to the ancient world. The modern artist, too, must embrace the ability to shift between mediums and expressions to grow and reach new heights. Meryl Streep, one of the greatest actresses of our time, embodies this very idea. From drama to comedy, from musical roles to historical portrayals, Streep has continuously stretched her range, never allowing herself to be confined by one kind of role. Like Smits, she recognizes that true artistic nourishment comes not from repeating the same patterns but from challenging oneself to explore new dimensions of the craft. Each role she plays is an opportunity to discover something new about herself, and it is in this diversity of experience that her mastery lies.

Smits’ own career exemplifies this same commitment to versatility. Known for his roles in "NYPD Blue" and "The West Wing", Smits did not limit himself to one type of character. His ability to shift from intense drama to roles requiring a lighter, more nuanced touch shows his dedication to expanding his craft. This mirrors the ancient heroes who, while facing the same fate, found their strength in adapting to new challenges. Achilles, though a mighty warrior, also displayed a depth of character and emotion that went beyond the battlefield. Smits, like Achilles, has chosen to explore the breadth of human experience in his work, showing us that true artistry lies not in limitation, but in embracing the full range of human expression.

The lesson here is clear: to achieve greatness in any field, one must not only draw from the well of experience but must also be willing to evolve and explore new dimensions of creativity. This is true in art, in leadership, and in life. The challenge, as Smits reflects, is not to become complacent in our knowledge and ability, but to stretch ourselves beyond what we think we know. By embracing versatility, we open ourselves up to the possibility of transformation, constantly discovering new facets of our identity and potential.

In practical terms, this means that in our own lives, whether in work, relationships, or personal development, we should seek out opportunities to diversify our experiences. We must ask ourselves: What would it look like to step outside our comfort zones, to explore different paths, to try new things that challenge us? Just as Smits has done in his career, we too must embrace change and the unknown. By doing so, we not only expand our horizons, but we also enrich the legacy we leave behind—a legacy built on growth, exploration, and the ever-expanding nature of the human spirit.