Prior sharing leads to the defusing of motivation. It applies
Stone Age passage tombs
Richard Marsh to my creative work, that is, fiction and poetry. I learned long ago that if I tell it to a person I don't tell it to the typewriter. It can also be a problem when one is sharing accommodation with a woman. She tends to assume that a creative trance is a sign of laziness, or worse, reflection on another woman, but in any case she complains, "You're ignoring me." I mentioned this to the Belfast poet Padraic Fiacc and he said, "Ah, yes. She senses the presence of the Muse, and she's jealous." That's probably the reason the Maine Coast poet Wilbert Snow built a writer's shack 50 yards from the house on Spruce Head Island as soon as he could afford it.

Conflict
The sea is forever quivering;
The shore is forever still.
And the boy who is born in a seacoast town
Is born with a dual will:
The sand and the rocks and the beeches
Inveigle him to stay,
While every wave that breaches
Is a nudge to be up and away.
(Wilbert Snow)

Ross Penhall is hands down
Cobalt
John Ferrie and his 'Cobalt' show one of my most favorite artists in the world. I have sat back in awe of his paintings and watched not only his style develop into a Global brand, but I have watched his meteoric rise to success. There were shows where you had to be on a preferred buyers list and you had one minute to buy a painting. All the while the little Gallerina's were running out to the disappointed waiting crowd of the pieces that have sold. Ross is also a very nice guy and speaks beautifully about his works. I am always so humbled in the presence of artists like this. But Ross puts you at ease, speaks a layman's language and always remembers my name.

Your letter is one that is at the very least perplexing The Challenge
oil painting, 24 x 30 inches to me - because on the one hand, I agree with your firefighter friend - painting is a "silent" expression and I once saw the very same words on a tee-shirt worn by a plein air painter. On the other hand, without talking about our paths, as you, I, and many others do, there would be no art schools, workshops, guidance, etc. I have a tendency to agree with Ross Penhall because painting - like religion, politics, music, poetry, and love are nebulous feelings at best. So what's the truth Robert? "Shut up and paint" - or do a twice weekly letter talking about art - with many respondents doing likewise? It is a subject that is "food for thought"!!

This is the first time I've ever been spurred to respond to a Hippo
concrete sculpture letter. I believe to talk about something happening - painting or whatever it might be, makes it "real" and more likely to happen. My talking about projects with anyone makes me accountable and motivates me to "Just Do It." Although actual work does not always follow, I've completed more art that I've talked out loud about than the dream visions that I've never vocalized to anyone but my inner self. There's also that wonderful synergism that occurs when you're discussing projects with other creative people. The give and take of creative minds is an awesome engine. Respectfully disagreeing, this time.

Your comment about the hazards of applying for a grant Evening over Fundy
oil painting, 24 x 36 inches struck a nerve with me. In my previous life as a research scientist, we used to be able to concentrate on our research, following the leads that appeared to be the most productive. As years passed "accountability" became the mantra, and we were required to write a report at the beginning of each year describing what we planned to do, and a report at the end of the year showing how successful we were in achieving our objectives. Of course the whole concept was nonsense except to bureaucrats. The whole point of any creative act, whether it be painting or scientific research, is to follow your passion. One cannot foretell where one will end up. Is it worthwhile trying to apply for grants, or does this just stultify creativity?

(RG note) Thanks, Carol. Some people can handle the grant game, but I'm not one of them. I don't sponsor people either. I've seen too many go off the rails, and that includes the artists who applied. A grant can be the kiss of death for creativity and unfulfilled obligations can lock people up for years. One woman I know finally threw up her hands and went out and blew the cash on a Toyota. My advice is to make the art first and see if any government, consortium or individual wants it. It's a good principle, similar to consignment. Getting grants is an art in itself and I don't care for that type of art.

Ernest Hemingway had some insights about Eastsude River
watercolor painting keeping the power of ideas and emotions intense by not talking them to death. He underscores this idea in his short story The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber when the title character is trying to describe the exhilaration of his first dangerous confrontation with big game. Robert Wilson, the big game hunter and guide, advises him: "Doesn't do to talk much about all this. Talk the whole thing away." In our enthusiasm for a new idea, we can destroy not only the incentive to act on it, but also the intensity of the emotions that would drive us to the word processor or the easel. Hemingway also once commented, "Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut."

I totally disagree that silence is golden. Now, I will confess I am in the early stages of artistry, but my experience in working in the world of ideas all of my life is that they only improve upon discussion. After all, we are in the world of communication. That doesn't mean stuffin' stuff" down other's craw or cuttin' out from the universe, but. . . Prior to and after discussion of one's ideas, pieces, etc. only leads to better communication and exchange.

Silence is indeed golden. I have been running my mouth Akard Lane
pastel painting, 24 x 30 inches lately and the results are negative. I feel weakened and bored with myself and my thoughts. Author/philosopher Carlos Casteneda use to preach the gospel of erasing personal history and quieting what he called the "internal dialogue' we carry on with ourselves. He felt that we needed to create a sense of mystery that was shattered when he verbalized everything. We limited ourselves and defined what others thought about us and our potential. We made a wonderful mysterious world boring and predictable. There is some truth to these ideas. We gain power by acting not by talking. As an art teacher I am often called upon to talk about paintings and about the ideas of painters. My students are beginners who like me to come around and "fix' the paintings they are working on. When I am in a good frame of mind, I know what to do to their paintings. Often in a few strokes of pastel the paintings come alive or are reborn. It is certainly not that I am a great artist that I have this ability. It is the ability to turn off my mind and tap into the creative process and 'go with the flow.' By acting on my intuition I gain power and insight. By acting I am decisive and strong. Talking robs me of this strength. I watched a James Bond movie the other day. James Bond is a male fantasy figure. He doesn't do much talking. He acts and reacts with impeccable intuition about people and situations. It is the power of action that gives him strength. People are attracted to strength. When you tell them about your weaknesses and insecurity you are being honest but all it does is bring you down in your own eyes and in theirs as well. It is better to shut up!

It has taken me a lifetime to learn to keep my mouth Silent Passage
acrylic painting, 24 x 30 inches
Koi Paintings Series shut when it comes to my art. Nothing can suck the energy and enthusiasm out of an idea faster than talking about it. Whether I'm telling my "wonderful new concept" to my husband, or my best friend, potential clients, or my fellow artists... the moment I stop talking I can feel my excitement deflating. In much the same way, I dislike showing my work in progress because either people hate it and I get insecure, or they love it and I get insecure.

Your letter raises excellent and very valid points - Cathy
original painting ideas are delicate and fragile creatures which can shrivel and die if brought to light prematurely. However, used judiciously, voicing ideas can be a positive force. Research has shown that sometimes publicly announcing your intention to do something can be helpful as you can create a bond between you and the recipient which can keep you committed to seeing it through - or face the embarrassment of saying you did nothing about it.

This can also be especially useful for emerging artists who wish to establish themselves and their ideas. Instead of describing themselves by their "day job" ("I'm a sales manager, but I paint at night"), introducing yourself as an artist can be a very powerful force for change, as well as motivation, and within that context, provide validation for your ideas (and potential clients) as you'll likely be asked what kind of an artist are you, or what are you working on?

I personally also find that talking about my ideas to my wife can shed light on some of my planned works, further solidifying directions, themes, motifs which then adopt greater purpose and significance.

Again, having said this, I do agree with you. Voicing your thoughts should be done judiciously and at your own peril, lest you kill that which you wanted to see grow. If you must share your thoughts, an in-studio diary can be a much better alternative.

To add to the things that diffuse the creative process, I need a hug
original painting I found out a few years ago that photography has the same effect as discussing my ideas for painting. I've already paid "homage to the image" once I've recorded it, so the drive to paint it is no longer as critical at that moment. For freshness and excitement in the painting, I need to plein-air it first, then record it in photograph for later reference.

Having said that, when I've "snapped" to heart's content, and my canvas looks disappointing, at least I have the photos. Being a shutterbug allows for ample time for studying composition and trying new ideas with those photos. I later go back to them to rekindle memories and spark more creative process... this time, I do more than record the image. Now I need to shut up and paint.

I disagree that it's good to shut up. What you are Portrait
original painting suggesting to me, anyway, leads to misanthropy and simply reinforces the myth of the socially isolated artist. Before the French Impressionists came along, art was a much more communal affair, involving guilds, workshops and apprentices working with and alongside many famous artists. My own experience has proven that there is nothing wrong with sharing or collaborating as long as it isn't being done out of a motive of insecurity, and even then it can still be part of the experience of growth. This has incidentally done nothing at all to stem my creative output.

(RG note) Thanks, Aaron. For more thoughts on collaborating see: 'Collaboration' Art Quotations

Wow, of all your columns, Silence is Golden resonated Continere
This sculpture of the world as seen from space was created with six layers of carved glass that are laminated together to create a three dimensional view of the topography and contours of each land mass. with me the most. How many times have I started to describe a great idea only to never even start it, much less finish. As a long time Custom Artist making "Art to Order" I am now trying to switch over to make a body of work to sell in galleries... and yet again, I am stuck with a commission that has to live up to my words... and I am experiencing such personal resistance that I can barely finish.

I'm sure many of us have fallen into the trap now and then of seeking approval for our work from family and friends. However, if this is a constant, I can see where this can definitely be a problem and stunt our creativity.

I have sent a copy of this particular letter to a friend of mine who falls into this category. All the "nevers" in your letter - are what she always does. As a result, she never finishes what she starts and never starts what she has in mind. The pity of it is that she is a very talented and creative woman.

I believe in networking. It can show flaws you'd
Lois Sprengnether Keel
storyteller later wish you caught and can also spark ideas you wouldn't get otherwise. I value those people who understand what I want to achieve and don't get upset when I don't take ALL of their advice. As to talking to myself, I always enjoyed the concept that I was talking to somebody who understood me.

Workers in the arts need to find positive outlets to avoid feeling alone, unable to find the way to resolve problems, and to grow. Yes, working with others can be aggravating at times, but it can lead to progress. If it proves to be a toxic combination, get out of it, learn from it, and keep looking for others who create that positive outlet for you. As performing artists, we especially can become sharpened by such contacts.

Winston Churchill told the Winter Shadows w/ Birches
acrylic painting, 24 x 36 inches English people, when they were just about at the lowest point in WW2, "we will never, ever, ever give up." This has been a constant reminder for me. I had a career running my own business for 23 years, and 2 1/2 years ago decided it was time to do something meaningful for the rest of my life--as Jill Kerr Conway's father in the outback of Australia with 30,000 head of sheep told her, "Go make something of yourself." I loved what I did in my business for 23 years, but it simply was not enough for me to feel like I had done something meaningful with my life. I have only been painting for 7 years and have never taken a painting course--not even at RISD. And two years ago I decided that I would paint full time--every day, like most people go to work--to make a living. This was a big decision, as my wife also opened a retail shop at the same time. Crazy? Maybe. Financially scary? Absolutely. Are we happier? Definitely. Crazy lives? Yes. Especially since we have two teens, one in college, and one going in the fall of 2008. The point is, you never know what is possible, or where your life can lead if you are willing to take a chance and try something. I think I can make this happen. One thing I know... I will never ever give up.