Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Be True to You

stephaniefizer.etsy.com

There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. ... No artist is pleased. [There is] no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.
from The Life and Work of Martha Graham
oursuburbancottage.blogspot.com

1 comment:

  1. I like this. I've always ALWAYS found that, undergrad or grad, the writers who are satisfied with their work are not really artisits, just dabblers and hobbyists. That's fine, of course, but they can't then take themselves so seriously. I wish more people understtod that to be unhappy with one's calling / vocation can also mean a desire and ability to improve upon and evolve in it.

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