To the artists, I don't know but know their work

Have you ever wondered what has the biggest influence on you?
Most likely, they are your thoughts.
If we were to trace what caused how we feel, we could narrow it down to one's train of thought. The circumstances that one goes through can be a trigger, but if we can be in control of our thought process, we can be like the eagle that can fly above the rain clouds. You can be in any situation but come out unscathed. That space in our mind must be kept sacred because this is where our state of mind is situated.
If someone has said something that hurts, instead of lingering with it, we must forgive to forget and move on. If not, our mind space soon becomes bitter- not an ideal place for creativity.
Our mind is happiest when we have a purpose to fulfil.
To understand that, all we have to do is visit the annual exhibition of Unified Gulf Inmates Week that showcases the artistic and technical skills of prison inmates.
My friend insisted that I must visit. And what a treat it turned out to be.
This year the theme of the exhibition is 'Towards the Path of Reform' and is being held at the Mall of Oman. All the products on display are made by female and male inmates and are organised by the Directorate-General of Prisons.
Many vocational skills are being taught in the prison. That is definitely generating hope for a brighter tomorrow, but most interestingly, when customers buy an item, fifty per cent goes to the artist, and the other fifty per cent goes to the cost of materials. This can support their families too. And the outcome? They become contributing members of the society.
The word 'reform', is interesting. It is an action or a process of improving something.
Maybe they had never thought of painting or sculpting or making silver jewellery or carpentry. But here, their products are in an exhibition. If only they could see how people are admiring their pieces of art and see the reactions.
HH Sayyid Faisal bin Turki al Said visited the exhibition and said this was the first time he had been to such an exhibition. He said that he came across exceptional pieces of art, and what was even more important was the notion behind the exhibition. More and more people should know about the exhibition.
Visitors walk through and ponder at the details in the replicas of architectural structures of Oman. The spaces that featured products were becoming empty because people were buying them. I was eyeing a handmade clock with a yellow butterfly painted on it, and the next moment it was in someone's hand. I was proud of the artist I didn't know. I am impressed with this initiative of the Royal Oman Police. And I thought, what if we all bought everything, and then the artists and artisans would be busy being creative. Maybe then they could have a regular outlet for their products. It would be a perfect example of learning, practicing and implementing.
From ceramics to crochet, furniture to pottery and sweets and cookies, so many creative concepts are being explored. Maybe the products could be exported. The Omani caps counter was busy because all the caps were handmade here.
Appreciation is the best compliment. And one can imagine the satisfaction the artists and artisans must feel when their products are sold. A customer purchased a beautiful portrait, and when I asked her what appealed to her, she replied, 'The girl's eyes.' The detailed work on the eyes that was given by the artist got attention and won the customer's heart.
Some of the exhibitors may not have been born artists. But look at this - given the right opportunity, tools and best teachers, their lives changed, and they became artists who could capture everyone's imagination. I saw one international customer open the door of a small wooden car and look into the interior, totally silent and intrigued.
With the introduction of art, the thought process moved to creativity.
Helen Hadsell had said, 'The mind creates reality.'
Norman Vincent Peale had said, 'Thoughts create outcomes.'
Changing of thoughts - could it change our world? This group of artists conveys so.
Art can help us find our lost rhythm.
So, to the artists I don't know but know your work, participating in the 'Towards the Path of Reform' exhibition, I just want to say your work is amazing!