Friday Reading: Jan 3rd

“Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self.”
― Cyril Connolly New Statesman, February 25, 1933


Great quote! Just read this in my Tim Ferris 5 Bullet Friday email. He has a short, sweet to the point email newsletter that I almost always gain insight from.

The quote sums it up for me. I write because I love to write. I feel the same way about painting too. I was born an artist and a writer, and I am so happy I get to do both. I create first and foremost for myself. And I enjoy sharing what I do with the public, because I know that what I produce originates from within; it is intuitive.

That quote is perfect for the  entry into a new year. I know that starting with the end in mind is important, however, I also know that applying that concept to your self first must be done. More than likely, if you don't have a strong sense of self, you may be working towards the end goal of someone else. It's hard to work towards and align yourself with someone else's perspective - keywords there are "someone else's." So, what to do with this blog has been on my mind, and I thought I would just begin the new year by combining some intuitive writing quotes and some intuitive art. I think it will be good to see a well-rounded view of what it is I do as a creative person.

I begin each day in my studio space and do a bit of writing. Then I get into gear and do some painting. Afterwards, I do digital and online commitments. For some reason, opening a laptop first thing in the morning is not top on my list of things to do.

Here are a few photos showing the beginning part of my day.

Friday in my art studio all set up and ready to begin.

I keep the items I need, like paint etc. and I also like to have visual reminders that help to induce inspiration.

 

First things first, move my cat! He sneaks up lately whenever I turn around.

One thing about my studio is that I have an "open door" policy for my pets. I find them to be very good at providing unconditional love and encouragement.

I'm a softy...

Sometimes he can be persistent. Thankfully, he's good about staying down though when I have already started.

Charcoal sketch

Cat removal completed. New sketch with charcoal called: Am At It Now. This is usually the start to all my days. The medium may vary, for example a piece of paper and a pencil, but the sacred geometric figures always come through.

I've received a new visitor!

I'm grateful for my furry friends and their interests. Starling may look like a dog, but she seems to act like the cats. If she was able to purr I'd be fooled.

Finishing this one now.

She decided to get comfortable in my writing chair while I got started painting. Not too bad a life I must admit. And I absolutely love starting my days this way!