Too often, creativity is overly romanticized. It is talked or thought about as being something separate from or in opposition to work. It is as if we think that what we call work requires effort, consistency, and dedication, but creativity does not. Creativity, we assume is the result of inspiration alone. This could not be … Continue reading The Work Of Art
It takes a lot of bad ideas to get to a single great idea. Instead of waiting for a great idea or, worse yet, the perfect idea, allow yourself the freedom to have bad ideas. Bad ideas are the practice that make a great idea possible. If you are unwilling to have bad ideas, whether … Continue reading One Great Idea
Your creative work is waiting for you to start doing it. The inspiration you need is found in the action you have not yet taken. Put pen to paper, brush to canvas, or hands to instrument and get to work. In the effort is where you will find your muse. By Robert Van Valkenburgh Continue reading In The Effort
It is important to look outside of ourselves for inspiration. It is equally important to look inside of ourselves for effort. We need to see others being creative, innovative, and successful so that we know that it is possible. But, this alone will not move us forward. We have to do something with the inspiration … Continue reading Wasted Inspiration
“The paint is talking to you. The brush is talking to you. The canvas is talking to you. Your job is to listen to what it is saying, to follow it where it takes you, and to share what you find with others.” —To my daughter One morning while I was writing, my daughter sat … Continue reading Listen To Your Work
