I love to work. Most people dread it. As artists, it’s a tragedy to turn work into drudgery. Hence it’s wise to be reminded of the value of creative work besides the obviousness of sustaining a living. Today, I leave it primarily to the words of others to make some critical points clear:
On work connecting us to action (thus giving it meaning):
“You resume your silent conversation with the work. This is a two-way process: you create the work and then you respond to it. The work can inspire, surprise, and shock you… The solitary act of making art involves intense, wordless dialogue”. — Stephen Batchelor, Writer
On work being a reminder to play:
“Dance first. Think later. It’s the natural order” — Samuel Beckett, Playwright
On work being a declaration of independence and authenticity:
“Once you have chosen your part, abide by it, do not reconcile yourself with the world.” — Emerson, Philosopher
On work challenging us to overcome insecurity:
“Will you make artwork, and do something that we have to do not knowing how it will work out?” — Agnes Martin, Painter
On work revealing truths:
“Creative work is a lie detector.” — Jeanette Winterson, Writer
On work being a lifelong practice:
Work helps prevent one from getting old. I, for one, cannot dream of retiring. Not now or ever. Retire? The word is alien and the idea inconceivable to me… one’s work should be a salute to life.” — Pablo Casels, Musician
On work helping to reset priorities:
“The artist is the sole authority of his work; only weak artists seek external acceptance and authorization. Only shallow artists seek recognition, as the confrontation with one’s own existential boundary does not call for external or social recognition.” — Pallasmaa, Architect
On work keeping us capable:
” A talent grows by being used, and withers if it is not used.” — May Carton, Poet
On work keeping us sane:
“Creativity is on the side of health — it isn’t the thing that drives us mad; it is the capacity in us that tries to save us from madness.” — Jeanette Winterson
On work’s value to perception and understanding reality:
“The more I work, the more I see things differently; that is, everything gains in grandeur every day, becomes more and more unknown, more and more beautiful. The closer I come, the grander it is, the more remote it is.” — Giacometti, Sculptor
On work challenging us to do what we really want to do:
“I paint what I want to see.” — Philip Guston, Painter
On work’s potential to align ourselves spiritually:
“Art can lead you to God.” — Bob Dylan, Songwriter