Sometimes I think about this blog more than I write on it. Does that make any sense?
I mean I know it does – I wrote it in English, grammar is good, structure is simple – but does that statement make sense?
Anyone out there who has ever had a creative outlet – writing, painting, music, sewing, sketching, acting, and on, and on– has spent a great deal of time thinking about their craft. I mean, this is what humans do – we think about the things and people and places we love. It’s that thinking process that keeps us connected to whatever it is that we’re in love with.
But then ask yourself (as I did today), ‘am I thinking too much and not doing enough?’
And then I realized that I was over thinking that, too, which is kind of funny. Sort of. Not really.
Okay, how about this: Art without action is just a thought with no place to go, which, in my opinion, is the true inference behind the phrase, “starving artist”.
You see?
I’m realizing more with each passing week – as I write this blog, take a writing course, check things off my List, write a script or watch my husband play music – that over thinking anything – but especially over thinking art – is a lot like staring at a plate of delicious, warm, succulent food…and then just leaving it there.
If you want to feel full, you got to eat.
Tapping at the keys on your laptop, filling your canvas with the color, singing in the shower or snapping candid shots of people on the street is a lot like grabbing that plate of food, picking up your fork and feeding on the stuff that keeps you alive.
So ask yourself, when was the last time you ate?
Dig in, my friends, dig in.
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Join the conversation: What’s your art?
I loved this nugget of a post – it was delicious!!! :)
A touchez! ;)
I write bloggs in my head constantly. I actually keep my laptop by the bed and have an on going word document for potential blog topics. I also tweet in my head and I actually hashtag things in my head… it is actually rather sad. But, I will say one thing, having all this time to think in a rather egocentric manner has actually been very good for me. All I can say is that if someone tried to take my blog from me now I might… well it wouldn’t be pretty.
Oh yes I can relate. My passion is crafting. Scrapbooking, card making, basically stuff middle aged women to. And like you I spend far more time planning and thinking about it then actually DOING anything.
I know! That’s exactly what I was thinking… creativity or art is only just that when it’s expressed. Do now, think later, right?
Hello my friend,
Well I cannot say that I am a starving artist because i’m lucky to have a husband who financially supports me.BUT i am starving in a sense that I am not getting much work. So yes i am digging (looking for auditions on different sites, taking classes to perfect my craft, checking in with my agent) in and chasing a dream but how far and how long before my plate becomes full and my husbands wallet becomes empty? I can only chase this dream for so long or can I? Is there a way I could skip right to the desert?
Ah yes, desert! But I think you’re at the best part… the entree. When desert comes, the meal is over and then what? I think that’s why celebrities are always reinventing themselves – the love the next pursuit. You, my friend, are just on the first of many.
Amen, sister!
uh, shyeah.
(how tasty! i love similes that compare things to food. i love similes. almost as much as i love food. but not quite.)
Ah, similes – like a good heap of gravy on the side, no?
You what? You are one inspiring heifer. I restarted my blog today….because of you. I want to write all the time and what good is it going to do me if I don’t just suck it up and write. I’m back like Batman baby.
Lily, I’m so glad you’re back! I emailed you back today. And thank, a million times over, for quite possibly one of the kindest, most inspiring things I’ve heard… “because of you”… I’m honored.
This is so inspiring Sandy! I totally overthink everything in my life and I need to do less thinking and more DOING! You’re so right on. I’m going to print this off and keep it somewhere so I can read it and keep this top of mind; remind myself to shut my brain off once in a while and just let things happen as they may. Thank you!
Thank you, Kim! I’m so thrilled you’re going to print this out… wow, I’m just feeling the love today, I tell ya.
I’m a model-maker, and occasional poet. I know exactly what you mean.
On one occasion I was driving to work (15 to 20 minutes unless the roads are treacherous) and a short poem just arrived half-way down the road. I got into work and typed it straight into my computer so as not to lose it!
Hello my fellow blogger. I’m also that sort of guy that thinks and re-think everything over and over again, I know my real aim is to get it perfect even though I know that it’s impossible. I also get a lot less done just because I want stuff to be perfect.
Here’s what I can tell you (I’m not going to promise I’ll follow my own advice because I know it’s not east). Stop thinking and start acting, who cares if there’s a grammatical error in your post? As long as the average person can understand what you want to say you’re ok (And even if’s not easily understandable, and I mean what real art is that east to understand in the first place?). Just let it all out and you’ll feel much better.
Have a nice day mate :)
Thanks for stopping by Danny. I agree with you.. just do, mistakes and all! I can’t say I concern myself over spelling or grammar much (I’m a nerd that way and check as I go) but I am the type of gal, in “real life”, to over think to the ends of the Earth! I’m working on it, but it’s good to know I’m not alone on this one!
Ahh yes. I know this feeling. Sometimes I’ll spend the entire day daydreaming about 20 different awesome possibilities for posts, and then I get home and spend all night trying to decide which idea I should actually write about… get too tired… and go to sleep. Sometimes it’s best just to fly by the seat of your pants!
Blogging is hard work! It’s a passion and a love for connecting that brings me back to each post. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat here bug-eyed and slept in to finish a post. My husband says, “Your best stuff comes quickly… stop stressing!” He’s right (but I’d never tell him that…humph.)