Today I want to relay a story that was originally told to me, I *believe*, by Craig Morris during my time at the University of Miami. I have retold it many times since. It goes like this:
There was a wealthy, successful, and wise businessman who was also a great appreciator of art. He wanted nothing more than to possess a simple piece from the greatest living artist, who resided at the top of the hill of a remote village. The businessman, being very driven and bold, went to the village, climbed the hill, and knocked on the door. The artist answered.
“Greetings,” said the businessman. “I am one of your most ardent appreciators, and I happily support the arts with philanthropy where I live. I was wondering, it would mean the world to me if you could create a piece for me. I can pay you as much as you want.”
The artist thought for a moment. “Thank you, I truly appreciate your offer. I am not sure. It will take a while. And it must be something simple.”
The businessman paused for a moment, perhaps a little disappointed, but also determined to work this out and own a piece from this prestigious artist. “Yes, we can settle for that.” He considered for a moment, remembering the love of his life’s favorite flower is a lotus. “How about a simple one-line lotus?”
The artist smiled and said, “wonderful. No charge. Donate my proceeds. But, like I said, it will take time. Come back in three months.”
Giddy, the businessman left.
In three months, the businessman returned, climbed the hill, and knocked on the door.
The artist answered. “Hello there. Thank you for making this trip. However, I am saddened to say that your piece is not yet complete. Could you come back in another three months?”
The businessman was disappointed but he understood. Great art takes time. He left, and then in another three months’ time he returned, once again climbed the hill, and knocked on the door.
“Hello there. Thank you once again for making this trip. However, you may be disappointed to learn that your piece is still not yet complete. Could you come back in another three months?”
The businessman was secretly incredulous. But he had only grown more determined as time and passed. “Yes, I can do that.”
The businessman left, and once again, returned three months later. He climbed the hill and knocked on the door.
The artist answered. “Ah yes. Hello. Thank you for coming. I am saddened to say that I am not sure this piece is done yet…”
The businessman was this time determined to voice his concern. “Artist, you are indeed the master of our time. I understand this. I understand that work takes time, sometimes a lot of it. But it has been many, many months. I believe it is time.”
The artist looked at the businessman. He held up one finger, “one moment.” And then he closed the door for a brief moment, returning with a piece of paper and a paintbrush with paint on it. In one smooth, masterful stroke, he created the most beautiful, deepest, elegant single-line lotus flower, far beyond what the businessman could have imagined.
The businessman had never seen anything like it. The mastery of the stroke. The product. And he was there to see it. A tear built up in his eye at the significance of the moment. Truly a great piece had been created before his eyes.
“Master, it is… beautiful. I have no words. Thank you. I am changed forever. But… there is one thing. I don’t understand. You did this so easily. It took no time at all. Why did it take so long.”
Once again the artist paused to consider the man’s question, sighing heavily. He opened his cracked door all the way, and out tumbled, in various states of perfection and completion, thousands and thousands of single-line lotus drawings.