Author: James Chiang

“Where is the life we have lost in living? Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?” — T. S. Elliot, Writer

The danger of overthinking… thinking all the time, thinking too much. It’s the great dilemma of our times. It used to be that the lack of access to information (i.e. data) was the reason for a lack of opportunity or the capacity to move forward. Today, information is everywhere, inexpensive and instantly available. What has been the most troubling obstacle rather is our inability to sort, select and use the information in a way that is beneficial.

As artists, we can’t be overthinking. We need preparation and vision but overusing our minds has us thinking safe and makes us tentative. Being an artist is never safe. Art cannot be safe. Art is proactive; we feel it in our gut and we must move forward.

“Intuition comes from being present, not the conditioning of the mind.” — Eckhart Tolle, Spiritual Teacher

I think that there’s always a tendency to believe that the answers are “out there” when in fact, the solutions lie within. This is evermore the case with creation. We must free ourselves from our conditioning — and that may mean our education, the propaganda of our governments and corporations, and even possibly our own family upbringing. We must have faith in our true individual uniqueness and in our passion. This comes from someplace else, someplace indescribable. It is there where we draw our strength and bring forth our creativity because art lies in the dream, in play and imagination. When we think, we’re judging and criticizing, and that discrimination is always based on material that has come from outside.

“Knowledge is the outcome of past registrations (for) the unknown cannot be perceived by the known.” — J. Krishnamurti, Philosopher

Thinking, no matter how clever or rational, is always imperfect and always flawed because we must never forget that reality is a concept; none of us really see the world for what it actually is. After all, all experience is relative to our unique perception. If we don’t acknowledge this, we’ll live imprisoned in our own little lies, in stories full of noise and activity that culminates in nothing but an endless succession of meaningless moments, or, in what the philosopher Alfred N. Whitehead calls “the fallacy of misplaced concreteness.”

“Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds.” — Bob Marley, lyrics from Redemption Song

If we fall silent — disregard thought, disregard words — we can raise our level of awareness. Then we look and can see, listen and be able to hear. To do meaningful work, this is a requirement. It is, of course, not an easy thing to do. Hence, we must find our spaces, havens where we can find not solace but redemption. Genuine rest and refrain from busyness and distraction brings forth both clarity and innovation. We must have faith that we have gathered enough information and, that after having given ourselves the time to sort and absorb what is good, we can trust that our natural action, unobstructed by the mind, will also do good. Great art is made this way.

If you don’t fashion an environment where creators and originators can get things going, you wont’ have any new ideas.” — Nathan Myhrvold, Inventor

Think less, do more. It’s something I have to tell myself periodically. It’s good to be detached from our expectations, fears or desires. Know that the mind — the ego — will always find an excuse to stall and prevent you from doing what’s most important — your art.

“For a while as a painter I feel I have in my possession the means of moving others in the direction in which I myself am driven. I doubt whether I can give the same sure lead by the use of words alone. — Paul Klee, Artist

“It’s the first step that counts, not the last step.” — J. Krishnamurti, Philosopher

What do these words mean? Are not our first attempts the ones most commonly flawed? Absolutely! Is it not the last step the most defining in terms of impression? Perhaps. But truthfully speaking, every step is a first step because when doing art, every action we take is novel; we must approach each piece of work, each time we show up to work, with the fullest enthusiasm and sense of mystery. That’s why there’s no such thing as real repetition or boredom. No subject can be drawn, painted or animated in the same way. We must never forget that creation is a live event.

Don’t Rush.

“Anything of a serious nature isn’t “instant” — you can’t “do” the Sistine Chapel in one hour. ” — Leonard Bernstein, Composer

Perhaps in times like these our default mode is to hurry. It’s certainly crazy times. But we need not act crazy just to fit in. Art can hardly be rushed and certainly not in the learning of it. And all art is learning. All art is seeing. We can’t learn if we can’t see. And of course, the more we hurry, the blinder we are and the more mistakes we make. How are we better off by doing so?

Never work on what you hate.

“A painter paints to unload himself of feelings and visions.” — Pablo Picasso, Artist

Draw, paint, sculpt or animate what you want and what you must. We don’t choose our subjects based on whether they might sell or be approved. Don’t paint portraits if you hate faces and don’t animate a musical scene if you hate musicals. We put in things we like; how horrible it would be to force one’s art against its grain or against the artist himself! Only when work is done with love can we possibly pursue the task of making anything good — whatever it is — with a result that isn’t banal. Our work always reflects our feelings towards it.

Reflect on the work.

“A work of art is a trace of a magnificent struggle.” — Robert Henri, Artist

Whether it’s our artwork or the artwork of others, spend sometime with it. Look carefully, listen closely. In it, we’ll see the records of thought and the emotional challenges that belonged to the creator. We can learn a lot from such activity. Mistakes show both the level of knowledge and the attempts — both successful and unsuccessful — in solving problems. This is the history of art. This is part of our education.

Keep an open mind.

The richer and broader they (inputs) are, the more the brain has to play with. — David Eagleman, Neuroscientist

Don’t always be so quick to judge. Our minds close easily and often. And if it lacks clarity, our ability to address problems becomes greatly hindered. This is especially important when studying the works of other artists. Look for what works, not just what might appear to be errors or mere decoration. Learn to distinguish between flawed execution and stylized choice because art is a record of decision-making. This is how we expand our intelligence.

It’s okay.

“You have to make mistakes to find out who you aren’t.” — Anne Lamot, Writer

At the end of the day, our mistakes are what teaches us… about us. We become more humble. Then we see better, and hopefully, act better. Sometimes what appears to be the wrong train can take you to the right station.