Tuesday, August 30, 2011

A quote that has inspired me lately

I have been reading at Laurelines since late 2005. Even when I wasn't drawing myself, I've continued to be inspired by the pure drive and dedication that Laure has for her art. Every January, she sets up these goals for her artwork, and she follows through with them throughout the year. It's inspiring to me to watch someone like her who doesn't wait for lightning to strike or for the moose to walk backwards at midnight before she gets down to business. She just does it, and that's a lesson I have learned and relearned many times in my creative life as well.

This year Laure did something different, and had no set plan for 2011. She called it the Unplan and posted about how she would follow her heart and inclinations instead of having set parameters. As much as I liked her detailed plans, I like this Unplan, too. And it's a great way to shake things up if you're used to having more defined goals.

Recently Laure shared a quote by Martha Graham and it didn't just speak to me; it screamed. I read it when I was about a week into the new sketching journal, and it was just what I needed to hear at the time. I was flipping through my journal last night, and found the quote where I'd copied it down, and wanted to share it with you:

"There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique...It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself and your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware of the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open." 

Today, and everyday, I hope that you are listening to those little urges that tug at your creative heartstrings. I hope you are able to recognize them when they come, and then are willing to follow them even when you don't know where they may lead.


3 comments:

  1. arika, your journaling page is full of emotion! very nice quote, & words of advice in final blog paragraph.

    thank you for your nice comment on my drawing blog post! i try to draw at least once a week. though i don't always show everything i attempt. mostly because of time, & i don't know how to fit it all the the things i want to say or show. i use cheap computer paper for practice sketches, nothing fancy.

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  2. Arika, thank you so much for this post. I am very glad and also very humbled that my work has inspired you. Best of luck with your journey.

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