“The artist I believe in are those who eat and sleep their art.
They compulsively chip away at their statues, and this gives
value in both the short and long term.
They need to be lifers.
Somewhere along the way I somehow fell in love with my art-
making process.
After that, I just had to do
it. Sometimes I think I did it because I was incompetent at everything else.
Here are a few thoughts….
Know that others have gone where you wish to go.
Put “getting good” ahead of “making a living.”
Learn to be alone and to be your own best critic.
Cut back on impedimenta and outside distractions.
Work more hours than the average factory worker.
Notice interesting directions and go there again.
Become a perpetual student of your own progress.
Don’t expect too much help from anyone or anything.
Stick to your vision, but don’t fear change.
Do not be adverse to developing skills.
Know that raising standards has to be chronic.
Push on when you’re pushing your limits.
Know that marketing is easier when you have quality.
Know that quality is always in style.
Be curious about everything, including how you turn out.
If you fall in love, accept the gift, surrender.
Thriving is all about self-education. “Go to your room”, is my
advice that has had the most significant effect. Funnily, all
kinds of would-be lifers somehow neglect to do just that. ”