A Hindu Proverb

 

Mt Taranaki by mikescottnz

 “There are hundreds of paths up the mountain, all leading to the same place, so it doesn’t matter which path you take. The only person wasting time is the one who runs around the mountain, telling everyone that his or her path is wrong.”

For me it is a matter of getting down to work no matter what, every day if possible.  Some days things seem to flow more easily than other days, some days seem like an endless struggle, I have never tried to analyse why this may be, I am not sure that it would achieve anything. 

Twyla Tharp, the American choreographer refers to the Creative Habit, in her book by the same name.  She offers some useful ways and means of developing that habit.  I find I have less rituals, but I am sure that some people will find many of her suggestions useful. 


Another interesting book is Art and Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland.  With chapters on Art & Fear, Fears about Yourself and Finding Your Work, it is well worth reading.

Head 013 Monotype with Indian Ink
(20.3 x 20.4cm)

I don’t think I know what it is to get inspiration, but I understand Jack London’s words “You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club”. 

I believe in just keeping on going, maybe it is not a belief, perhaps it is more a need or want.  I may have arrived somewhat late to the dance, but I am staying until the end.