Artists – A Common Theme

“Something about making art has to do with overcoming things, giving us a clear opportunity for doing things in ways we have always known we should do them.” ― David Bayles

I have regularly been interviewing  various artists for over a year now on this blog, biscuit’s space.  The one consistent theme that I have observed by doing these interviews is that all of these artists share a theme — they all have a burning desire to create their work no matter what and they find a way to create their art, despite obstacles.  The creation of the art fuels the artist.  Also, I have recognized that none of the artists could fathom not creating their work as these artists create their work because they want to and need to create.

However, sometimes, creating art can be daunting.  On this subject, I love the book, Art and Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by Bayles and Ted Orland, which I first read in college.  Below is one of my favorite quotes from this book.  “To require perfection is to invite paralysis.  The pattern is predictable: as you see error in what you have done, you steer your work toward what you imagine you can do perfectly.  You cling ever more tightly to what you already know you can do — away from risk and exploration, and possibly further from the work of your heart.  You find reasons to procrastinate, since to not work is to not make mistakes.”

Here are a few more quotes that I also really like from Art and Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking. “You make good work by (among other things) making lots of work that isn’t very good, and gradually weeding out the parts that aren’t good, the parts that aren’t yours.  It’s called feedback, and it’s the most direct route to learning about your own vision.  It’s also called doing your work.  After all, someone has to do your work, and you’re the closest person around.”

“The difference between art and craft lies not in the tools you hold in your hands, but in the mental set that guides them.  For the artisan, craft is an end in itself.  For you, the artist, craft is the vehicle for expressing your vision.  Craft is the visible edge of art.”

Thus, the biggest lesson that I have learned is that the risk of not creating art outweighs the fear.  I encourage you to go forth pursue your artistic and creative endeavors, which is food for your soul.  I have learned that action, even in the smallest amounts, is vital when creating art.  Just remember, nobody else is you and nobody else can create your vision.  Your art matters.  Your life matters.  You never know how you might change someone’s life for the better!