THE ART OF DISTRACTION

Following ones "Whim" and creating can be a daunting task because the necessities life want to intrude. The requirements of a creative citadel as a stronghold is often more than a proverbial need. Lock the doors, bar the windows, heat up the pitch and sharpen the pencils! Protecting artistic time can take the strategic acumen of a general prepared for a siege. Good bastions are always needed to deflect the resounding cannon fire of reality. An artist has to train like a skilled archer to hit the target repeatedly irregardless of the variables. The maintenance of ones tools is a kin to readying a garrison, that all is part of the war of art. One can never stockpile enough counter measures to volley against dilettantes & disabling detractors.

Creative time is as much a military action as a spiritual one, hours melt away spent lost in contemplation & meditation. That is a reason why one needs to protect ones marbles, then get them in order. The real manna is the enjoyment of the process not just desired results. It's too easy to over berate oneself about what hasn't been accomplished thus far, no need for that, plenty of sidewinders are up to that task alone. Remember it's important to have ones thoughts and action in complete congruity. Art is as much about expressive freedom as good mental discipline, then there is the countless years hard work...better learn to enjoy that notion.

Originality is a double edged sword, there is no need to reinvent or discard the wheel. Knowledge of its proverbial workings are as essential as understanding any tool. The ancient Delphic aphorism "know thy self" stands the test of time, perhaps we need to become the wheel? The wheel doesn't wait for the road to rise and meet it, instead it bares down with full gravity. Essentially how we use the wheel is up to the each of us as individuals. Interpretation always exists, but we can expect to become stuck in the mud. The solution then is to turn the wheel on the side, spin some pottery...and just keep on spinning!

See you on the right side of your brain,
Gothic Hangman