In the film Louise Bourgeois by Camille Guichard, Bourgeois states that she creates because her emotions are too big for her body to contain them. Indeed.
Lately, as I have begun a rather daunting project, I have been asking myself again and again, "Why do I do this?" It is impractical. It is often time and labor intensive. I ache. I have no time. The conversation with my artist self winds and I have come up with many different answers at different times. Basically, what it all comes down to is that I can't help it. This is who I am. I am a person who sees the potential of the grand idea and then uses that as momentum to take the first step, even though I might be fearful and do not know if it is really going to work.
In his Letters to a Young Poet, Maria Ranier Rilke said, "Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depth of your heart; confess to yourself that you would have to die if you were forbidden to write." There was a time when I did not know this for certain about myself and art. But I know now. I know that if I don't listen to this voice inside me that says "make this," I will exist only as vapor...easily blown away by the four winds...invisible.
For me, saying "yes" to this compulsion is essential. It is loving myself.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)