The Artist Inside
A lyrical poem by Cassie Nastase
🎨 Purchase the BookThe Artist Inside is a vibrant reminder that life is our canvas and that we are all artists. This lyrical poem explores a beautiful truth: art isn't just in museums. It lives in a dandelion growing in a sidewalk crack, a stranger's kindness, and the courage to start again.
The unique collage art throughout the book was crafted entirely by hand — each illustration was created specifically to accompany an individual verse of the poem. Built from images and fragments drawn from old books and magazines, every piece of artwork is a visual metaphor for the poem's central idea: that meaning and beauty emerge when we gather our experiences and shape them into something new.
Together, the words and images invite readers of all ages to find purpose and joy in their own creative expression — whatever form that takes.
Original hand-crafted collage artwork from inside the book
Art is a language that all beings speak.
It is heard near the ocean and atop mountain peaks.
It calls to us softly on the first day of spring,
As buds become blossoms, and blackbirds sing.
It dances in the breeze that sends leaves to the sky.
It glows in a smile, a glimmer in your eye.
Art is a song, a dance, a rhyme.
Art is a memory that takes us through time.
We enter this world with art in our hearts.
A thread that connects us, that never departs.
It's there on the sidewalk, growing in the crack.
A dandelion waiting for a bee to come snack.
Art is a snowflake, frozen fractals falling.
Lean in and listen, inspiration is calling.
It's down by the river in water tranquil.
Like a hungry blue heron, patient and still.
A silk-spun pattern glistening with dew.
The attentive spider — a masterpiece too.
Art is a painting, a building, a stone.
Art is expression, the place we call home.
Flowing and recycling, shaped through each stage.
Art is reflecting, then rewriting the page.
A humble seed planted, nestled in earth —
With attention and time, it knows its own worth.
Art is a stranger who holds a door open,
A feeling of gratitude when words are unspoken.
Art is joy. Art is resistance.
A peaceful protest when division is persistent.
Art is the sun, the stars, and the moon,
A piano and guitar playing in tune.
Telling a story, providing a lesson.
For all are artists, no matter the profession.
A guiding light when life feels like a mess,
A whisper that tells you to just try your best.
It's shooting for the stars, starting again if you miss.
It's the comfort and warmth of a goodnight kiss.
Much like a bridge between different lands —
A guiding compass — art helps us understand.
Life is a canvas; it's ours to create.
To see art in another is to stand against hate.
Find your North Star, open the gate.
There is always enough time. It's never too late.
So go to the world — let creativity shine.
Art lives within you, in heart, soul, and mind.
There are no limits, no walls or divide —
Just open your heart,
To find the artist inside.
Cassie Nastase is a lifelong artist and the author-illustrator of The Artist Inside — a project that fuses her hand-made collage art with lyrical poetry. Informed by her background in school counseling and her work with the Human Restoration Project, her creative works explore a range of social-emotional themes.
Cassie believes that art, self-reflection, and storytelling are essential tools for connection, meaningful learning, and collective progress. Through her work, she invites readers to look more closely at the world around them — and to recognize the artist already living within themselves.
Beyond the poem and its original collage illustrations, The Artist Inside includes thoughtful back matter designed to extend the experience — inviting reflection, conversation, and creative action.
Readers will find prompts for personal exploration, discussion questions that draw connections between the poem's themes and everyday life, and suggestions for making your own collage art. These materials make the book an especially rich resource for classrooms, book clubs, families, and anyone who wants to go deeper into the creative and social-emotional ideas woven throughout the poem.
Whether you are a teacher, a parent, a student, or simply a curious human — the back matter is an open invitation to discover the artist inside you.