Woetoe’s Reviews > Art and Fear > Status Update

‘Expectations based on the work itself are the most useful tool you have. What you need to know about the next piece is contained in the last piece. The place to learn about your materials is in the last use of your materials. The place to learn about your execution is in your execution. The best information about what you love is in your last contact with what you love. Your work is your guide.’

‘Your job is to develop an imagination of the possible.’

‘Vision is always ahead of execution, knowledge of materials is your contact with reality, and uncertainty is a virtue.’

‘The student lamented to his teacher. “But I can hear the music so much better in my head than I can get out of my fingers.” To which the Master replied, “What makes you think that ever changes?”

‘Art is a high calling — fears are coincidental, sneaky and disruptive. Disguised as laziness, resistance to deadlines, irritation with materials or surroundings, distraction over the achievements of others — indeed as anything that keeps you from giving your work your best shot.’

‘Your job is to learn to work on your work.’

‘Making art provides uncomfortably accurate feedback about the gap that inevitably exists between what you intended to do, and what you did.’