In a recent convergence of coincidence, I was told by a respected mentor that I should revive my neglected blog, right after accepting a “30 day blogging challenge”. I thought my first post in a while should reflect on my feelings about writing and the importance of its role in a creative practice. I never… Continue reading On Writing
All Posts
On Time
Time is much maligned as the demon we can’t escape, or the cruel master that rules us. I have a very different attitude towards time, which I strongly suggest you adopt in building a successful daily studio practice, which is what this 30 consecutive days of posts will address. Let’s reframe our thinking about time.… Continue reading On Time
On Motivation
There is nothing quite so frustrating to an artist as the sudden and crushing weight of Lack of Motivation. When we have this one thing that we have come to believe is so important to us, maybe even as a calling or a lifelong dream, and for no reason, –we just don’t feel like… Continue reading On Motivation
On Community
Art is a solitary practice. It is necessary to mine the depths of one’s own history, emotions and thoughts to create authentic works that reflect a unique perspective. It requires time for doing nothing, staring into space, doodling and daydreaming. It can be isolating, and even depressing. As part of your practice you must build… Continue reading On Community
On Beginning
Every moment is a new opportunity to change. I chose to make this post after five days of entries on the studio practice, because this action is vital to the lifelong practice of art, or anything else you can imagine. Begin again. After a failure, a success, an… Continue reading On Beginning
On Process
Process is personal and unique to each artist, but I can share some of mine, and perhaps this will resonate for those who work in a similar way, or need directions to start. The long explanation is this: Inspiration Thinking Writing Talking Drawing Prototyping Testing Refining Finishing Presenting This is… Continue reading On Process
On Ritual
I was tempted to title this entry “On Cake” because it was inspired by the memory of a book I read, which after laborious detail for a couple hundred pages on the practice of Zen Buddhism, the writer asked the Master for some earth-moving life advice as she was preparing to leave her time of… Continue reading On Ritual
On Intention
I have come to appreciate the significant contribution of intention to the eventual outcome of our actions. Over the summer I engaged in some experimental art which came from some reading I did about “practical witchcraft”. After reading a real Wiccan perspective on spells, and what they mean, I began to understand the strong and… Continue reading On Intention
On Integration
We have a natural desire to compartmentalize in the hectic modern world. We try to leave work at the office, and we designate ‘date nights’ with our spouses. Marking off time to specific pursuits is a survival mechanism, and may be a vital first step for many as a daily practice is being built. I… Continue reading On Integration
