What not working feels
like.
The Mouth of Hell. From the Hours of
Catherine of Cleves ca. 1440
David Hockney painted a large sign that he
placed at the foot of his bed that said, “Get up and get to work” to remind him
of what was most important each morning. Georgia O’Keeffe* reported that endless
quotidian diversions would keep her from painting if she were not vigilant
about getting to the easel.
In an interview with Charlie Rose, Chuck Close said, “I am plagued with indecisions.” He spoke of setting limitations in order to
be able to work. There are countless similar stories.
I know what Close means.
Sometimes I have so many ideas I have difficulty choosing where to start. The
crazy/busy schedule of full time teaching or, just as likely, a glass of very
good bourbon and a new book on poetry (after a crazy/busy day of full time
teaching) will be way more compelling than studio work.
But sooner or later I
start to get very anxious if I don’t get to the workbench. I just simply have
to make something. Maybe this is one of the things that separates the life-long
artist from those who ultimately give it up. For them the unease of not making
is tolerable or even non-existent. For the rest of us it’s a relief to finally
get into the studio and work.
*O'Keeffe also said there was nothing overtly
sexual about her flower paintings.
Thought provoking. It is “all of the above” for me. Plus a few more things I could list but won’t.
ReplyDeleteNot “overtly sexual”? Just so close that is hard to not see it as that. Amusing.