The Art of Connection: How Embracing Differences Can Expand Your World

Musings from an Artist's Notebook: Connection

Have you ever had an argument where you just couldn't understand why the other person didn't see things your way? I certainly have.

Recently, I was chatting to a friend and he reminded me that our brains are incredible filters, letting in only a tiny fraction of the vast information around us—and then interpreting that through our unique lens of beliefs, ideas, and experiences. At first glance, this sounds like a recipe for disconnection. But what if it's actually an invitation to explore countless different worlds? In this post, we'll dive into how our individual perspectives can become bridges rather than barriers, with a little help from art along the way. 😁

The World in Layers

Imagine walking through a bustling city with a friend. You notice the vibrant street art, the rhythm of the traffic, and the scent of food from nearby stalls. Your friend, however, is focused on the architectural details of the buildings, the conversations happening around you, and the way the sunlight reflects off the windows. You're both experiencing the same place, but your worlds are entirely different.

This isn't just a quirky observation—it's a fundamental truth about how we perceive reality. Our brains filter information based on what we believe, what we've experienced, and what we find interesting. And since no two people have identical beliefs or experiences, no two people see the world exactly the same way. (Just ask your siblings about your childhood—you'll quickly realize how differently memories can be interpreted!)

At first, this might seem like a reason to retreat into our own bubbles. But here's the twist: if each of us lives in our own personalized "layer" of the world, then there are countless layers to explore, understand, and learn from. Instead of seeing differences as obstacles, we can treat them as doorways to growth.

Timelapse - "Ramba, Fifo & Miatta" - Carina Kramer 2025

Shifting the Perspective

Let's say you and a friend disagree on something—maybe politics, art, or even what makes a great pizza. Instead of trying to "win" the argument, what if you asked: Where does this perspective come from?

Understanding the roots of someone else's viewpoint doesn't mean you have to adopt it. But it does give you the chance to expand your own worldview.

This is easier said than done, of course. The closer someone's perspective is to yours, the simpler it is to appreciate their point of view. But when opinions are diametrically opposed, the challenge becomes more significant—and the potential for growth even greater. 🙃

Art as a Bridge

Art offers some of the most compelling examples of how we can embrace differing perspectives. Take Picasso's later work, for instance. I won't pretend to be a fan of his abstract phases, but I can still appreciate the boldness he embodied. That boldness has become an inspiration for my new Chimp Series, of which the three sweet souls above are a part and where I explore the idea of vibrant colors as a unifying element. The magenta backgrounds in those paintings aren't just a stylistic choice—they are a way of inviting viewers to see connections they might otherwise overlook.

Art reminds us that we don't have to love everything about someone else's perspective to learn from it. Maybe there's a single aspect—a color, a technique, a theme—that resonates with you. You can take that piece and weave it into your own world, enriching your life and understanding in the process.

So, What Is There to Do?

So how can we apply this in our daily lives? Here are a few ideas:

• Ask questions instead of making assumptions. When someone disagrees with you, try to understand their reasoning before responding.

• Seek out diverse viewpoints. Look at art, read books, watch films, or listen to podcasts that challenge your assumptions.

• Experiment with new experiences. Travel to a place you've never been, try a hobby you've never considered, or strike up a conversation with someone outside your usual circle.

• Reflect on your own biases. We all have them, and acknowledging them is the first step toward growth.

Now it's your turn. How have you found connection through difference?

Share your stories in the comments below—or try striking up a conversation with someone whose perspective differs from yours. You never know what you might discover. 😁

Thank you for reading. Go check out some of my other articles below.