Three Quotes to Inspire You As an Artist
This week, I am on a break from writing about my experience, but that doesn't mean you won't get your usual dose of inspiration. I've compiled three of my favorite quotes that I have found helpful in my art and my life that I wanted to share with you. Here you go:
“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."
Martha Graham
If you are an artist who gets in their own way, like I do, I think this quote from dancer and choreographer Martha Graham will give you lots of hope.
"We can't force greatness to happen. All we can do is invite it in and await it actively. Not anxiously, as this might scare it off. Simply in a state of continual welcoming.
If we remove time from the equation of a work’s development, what we’re left with is patience. Not just for the development of the work, but for the development of the artist as a whole. Even the masterpieces that are produced on tight timelines are the sum of decades spent patiently laboring on other works.
If there is rule to creativity that's less breakable than the others, it's the need for patience is ever-present."
Rick Rubin
If you are like me and are constantly comparing yourself to others or think you should be farther along, this quote is from uber record producer Rick Rubin's new book, The Creative Act: A Way of Being, should help you to understand that we need to be patient in finding success.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Marianne Williamson
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Some artists like to hide and play small, but according to Marianne Williamson's famous quote, not only is it okay to play bigger, but when we do, we are helping others do the same.