To require perfection is to invite paralysis. The pattern is predictable: as you see error in what you have done, you steer your work to what you imagine you can do perfectly. You cling ever more tightly to what you know you can do-away from risk and exploration, and possibly further from the work of your heart.
Bayles and Orland, Art and Fear 1993
(Image of figures from Chandigarh Rock Garden. This wonderful photo was taken by Nisha of lemonicks.com and you can read more about it here. Nisha tells me that the figures are made from recycled glass bangles and old toilet cisterns! Love it! )
Just what I needed to hear, thanks for this lovely post Wendy. Stepping into the unknown will always lead somewhere more interesting than re-tracing your steps and walking back over the path you’ve already trodden. Whatever you’re trying to recapture, it won’t look the same anyway, so you’ll be disappointed twice over. And THANK YOU for the beautiful pendant. I will take photo of it because – believe it or not – I was wearing a black and white dress when I opened your parcel 🙂
This is a quote I read and reread Deb. This and Neil Gaiman’s about making glorious mistakes. Can’t wait to see the photo!! It’s a cracker day here at the Hill Deb. Freezing but that magnificent big sky and the sunrise as I ran out near Nine Mile this morning with my sister was pure magic. Perfection. But Nature can do that without paralysis!
Excellent excellent quote!
There are so many wonderful quotes in this book and I read it a lot. Especially when I feel stuck. I have written some and have them stuck around my work table. Bayles and Orland whisper to me all the time!
Excellent quote Wendy!
My photo is no match to your quote.
Thanks for sharing.
I love the photo Nisha and have had it in a favourite collection for years! You are a wonderful example of someone who does NOT cling tightly to what they know and who revels in exploration! Thank YOU for sharing your travels through your photos!