This sounds just about right: ”The older I become, the less convinced I am that the greatest gift in an artist’s life is inspiration. I suspect it is companionship.”
When I was painting, and now in book-repairing, and in trying to write history, while the work is often necessarily alone and heavy, yet a few people who share your sense of purpose and desire are such an encouragement. I look back with thanks to moments like that - to people who were there and who were sympathetically engaged. You said all that nicely and succinctly!
Hah! Kind but untrue. After a month where every line seems lifeless and every mark an imposition, I’m thinking of taking up a warmer, more life affirming hobby. Taxidermy perhaps. Or being an actuary.
This is such an important reminder that solitude and connection serve different purposes. The studio may be where the work is made, but conversation often shapes the direction it takes.
Other perspectives can reveal what we cannot see ourselves, challenge our assumptions and open unexpected paths. Art may be created alone, but it rarely grows in isolation.
Throughout history, creative communities have been places where ideas found their strength.
This sounds just about right: ”The older I become, the less convinced I am that the greatest gift in an artist’s life is inspiration. I suspect it is companionship.”
Thanks Fergus. I don’t know why its taken me so long to work that out but it DOES sound about right, doesnt it?
When I was painting, and now in book-repairing, and in trying to write history, while the work is often necessarily alone and heavy, yet a few people who share your sense of purpose and desire are such an encouragement. I look back with thanks to moments like that - to people who were there and who were sympathetically engaged. You said all that nicely and succinctly!
So, so true.
Thanks Chris. From one to another
Hah! Kind but untrue. After a month where every line seems lifeless and every mark an imposition, I’m thinking of taking up a warmer, more life affirming hobby. Taxidermy perhaps. Or being an actuary.
So true. Thank you for this.
Thanks Fiona
This is such an important reminder that solitude and connection serve different purposes. The studio may be where the work is made, but conversation often shapes the direction it takes.
Other perspectives can reveal what we cannot see ourselves, challenge our assumptions and open unexpected paths. Art may be created alone, but it rarely grows in isolation.
Throughout history, creative communities have been places where ideas found their strength.