where do we get ideas from. The air?? yes we get them from the air. Sound crazy. Well many creative books I have read do say that it is possible to just be the right place at the right time and boom great idea. that happens in painting. I just draw a line and the painting paints itself. I don’t need tod o anything except be there. That is the key. Be ready to find what floats by. It is like standing in stream of ideas and you just have to have one hold on to your head and you see it and it is wonderful. I will tell you that every single painting that I have sold really really fast was painted really really fast. Under Two hours. That is really fast for a painting. It paints itself and I watch. When that happens, it is euphoria. It is like being the happiest person on earth. The act of creating something great is breathtaking. I am not a genius or even brilliant. I am only standing in the way of the greatness and it comes flying out because I am ready. I am looking for it. Anyone in the whole universe can do this. Anyone can do it, you only need to be ready.
based on a photo by tomasjbyrne
One of the more profound contemplations I’ve read regarding creative genius. I like Goethe’s couplet:
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it!”
The following is the “whole quote,” usually attributed to Goethe, but actually written by another smart guy (william hutchinson murray 1913 – 1996):
“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”
phil thanks for posting that. It is like a drink of water. I was thirsty and needed a drink