What might we be able to tell ourselves and listen for in order to provoke more positive energy and action in our art practice?
Author: Matt Shanks
Can I do this?
Where does the motivation for beginning mark making come from? Why would I even try in the first place?
Visibility and confidence
How might we become less reliant on other people’s reaction to our work and the confidence to make more of it?
Proof of existence
Why do I feel compelled to share my work with anyone at all? Isn’t it enough just to make it for me?
Something beyond raw materials
Some work, like some meals, stand out more than others. So what’s on the plate or canvas that goes beyond ingredients or paint?
Effort has value
Whether we’re aware of it or not, humans tend to be able to feel the human effort behind work.
Brahm’s first symphony is an anomaly
If it’s rare for the first thing that anyone makes to be the greatest of all time, then do we have no other choice but to keep making?
No one remembers Mike
Which two names come to mind when we think about the crew of the Apollo 11 space mission, and why isn’t one of them “Mike”?
A new year reflection not resolution
If the beginning of every years is spent anticipating the year to come, what does it mean for celebrating the year we’ve just lived?
Procrastination or rest?
How do I know if reading books, playing video games, going for walks and doing chores around the house is procrastination or rest?