Speaking for myself, I am wary of what I call too much boast-and-toast talk. You know what I mean…those conversations that begin with “That’s interesting, but what I am working on right now is…” I think it can take the wind out of your sails. It’s like putting your project up for a vote depending […]
Artistic Anorexia
Many artists have an addiction to anxiety in place of art. I think of this as artistic anorexia. Just as those with an eating disorder can become obsessed with not eating, so, too, an artist can become obsessed with not making art. Anxiety builds, and anxiety is addictive. We become habituated to negativity, yet the […]
Art Is Not Self-Centered
One of the most damning beliefs perpetrated by our culture is the idea that our art is a self-indulgent pursuit. Our gifts come from a divine source, and using our gifts moves us toward our divinity. This is not selfish. It is our poisonous playmates who try to convince us that art is a self-centered […]
Choosing Our Dream
When it comes time for us to choose between a cherished dream and a lousy current drudgery, we often choose to ignore the dream and blame our continued misery on God. We act like it’s God’s fault we didn’t go to Europe, take that painting class, go on that photo shoot. In truth, we–not God– […]
Begin Where You Are
The first step toward accomplishing any creative goal is always doable, and often simple. We assume that to make a movie we need to move to L.A., get an agent, attach a star, raise millions of dollars. But when we approach it this way, we are unlikely to begin at all. Each step seems impossible. […]
Receptivity
We think we must “be inspired” to create art and that this inspiration must have an emotional force to it. That is not my experience. I have done some of my best work from what was essentially a neutral position, not unlike a court stenographer. When I was striving to “get something down” rather than […]
The “Magic Teacher”
I’d like to say a word or two about having a “magic teacher.” For the most part, I think such figures are fantasy, a little like having a personal Obi-Wan Kenobi. On the other hand, humans do what they can for each other. Most of us can cite a teacher who made a difference. It’s […]
Unlimited Supply
The power of the word is real, whether or not you are conscious of it. Your own words are the bricks and mortar of the dreams you want to realize. Behind every word flows energy. -Sonia Choquette The Universe responds to my dreams and needs. There is a unity flowing through all things. This unity […]
By Teaching I Learn
I first learned that I should teach as I was out on a walk. It was 1980 or 1981. I was praying for a sense of direction and I heard, “teach.” I was shocked. I wanted a creative idea, and teaching seemed punitive to me. I called a girlfriend up, distraught. “I’m praying for my next […]
Humility
I think it’s important to think little instead of big. There is always some small thing that we feel we can manage as a next creative step. These small steps add up to something large. The point is to be willing to work, however humbly. Humility, not confidence, is the key. What tiny step could […]
Connect with Julia
