“EVEN A TRUE ARTISTS DOES NOT ALWAYS PRODUCE ART” by Carroll O’Connor (Quotes & Quandaries)

Lately, I’ve been bumping against my impostor syndrome and find myself remembering random quotes… This one found me again after reading Austin Kleon’s extraordinary book “Steal Like An Artist”. The book presented me with the answer to questions about authentic originality. Kleon suggests that we just keep looking for art that we like and trying to imitate it… the EMPHASIS is on the word KEEP, as in continuously and repeatedly imitate art styles and techniques in the work that titles our fancy! Well, at least until we have mashed together so many different techniques and styles that we start hearing our own unique voice.

With this thought in mind, the above quote suggests can push us to continue doing artwork, even after we eventually create actual art. I see it as a call to action to continually push myself out of my comfort zones and stretch my skills beyond their limits. We can’t stop when we’ve achieved one good piece… well, at least I can’t. Kleon’s equally amazing book, “SHOW YOUR WORK” defines the creative slump – frenzy cycles as part of the process… or in other words, our psyche’s call to recharge and expand. The only way to do justice to this inner muse call seems to be by continually producing work. So, let’s follow the advice of O’Connor: forget about making art and just keep making stuff… the art will happen in time.