The War of Art

"Why have i stressed professionalism so heavily in the preceding chapters?  Because the most important thing about art is to work.  Nothing else matters except sitting down every day and trying.

Why is this so important?

Because when we sit down day after day and keep grinding, something mysterious starts to happen.  A process is set into motion by which, inevitably and infallibly, heaven comes to our aid.  Unseen forces enlist in our cause; serendipity reinforces our purpose.

This is the other secret that real artists know and wannabe writers (insert 'artists' here if you like, or painter, or designer etc) don't.  When we sit down each day and do our work, power concentrates around us.  The Muse takes note of our dedication.  She approves.  We have earned favour in her sight.  When we sit down and work, we become like a magnetised rod that attracts iron filings.  Ideas come.  insights accrete.  Just as resistance has its seat in hell, so Creation has its home in heaven.  And it's not just a witness, but an eager and active ally."

Taken  from The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles, Steven Pressfield

I love this book - it is so kick - ass!!!

x me

For the Fallen

Tomorrow is ANZAC Day.  A day when Aussies and Kiwis remember the brave men and women who fought and served to protect our country, our way of life and our freedoms.   May we never forget their selfless acts of service and courage. 

For The Fallen

With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,

England mourns for her dead across the sea.

Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,

Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal

Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres,

There is music in the midst of desolation

And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,

Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.

They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;

They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years contemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;

They sit no more at familiar tables of home;

They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;

They sleep beyond England's foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound,

Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,

To the innermost heart of their own land they are known

As the stars are known to the Night;

As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,

Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;

As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,

To the end, to the end, they remain.

Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)

 

New Zealand and Australian soldiers landing at Anzac Cove, 25 April 1915.

The Road to Dubai!

Hey folks - got some exciting news to share!  Last night I received an email to say that i'd been accepted to show a piece of art in an exhibition in Dubai through the Royal Art Collection!!!  To say I'm excited about this one is an understatement indeed.  Nervous as hell - absolutely.  I've got to make a May 12 deadline now for this painting, so the heat is ON!  Watch this space over the next few weeks as I tackle the challenge of painting to a theme and size restrictions.  But how cool to have a piece of my art on display in Dubai with others from around the globe! BIG Yay!!!  So I htink I'll have to start taking heed of my own words and trust in the direction that my dreams are leading me...

x me