Growing a Garden

I used to think that being an artist implied all sorts of stereotypical, bizarre things, such as 'an artist is born, not made'... I also believed that art came out of nowhere; that one day — as if by magic — an entire book/film/theatrical production/collection of paintings would spurt out of a gifted artist's mind. Er... you mean like having a hen at home and one day you wake up in the morning and an egg has miraculously appeared? Or like walking in the city one day and all of a sudden encountering that the entire Park Avenue is covered with tulips that came out of... nowhere?

At least now I get to laugh at the ridiculousness of such a belief. Little by little I'm now understanding that for something to be born, time, patience and care need to be applied. Only if effort is put in the garden will the flowers eventually come out.

Today a tiny sprout came out of the ground. All of a sudden I realized: I have the warm-up for Sensual Bellydance DVD! It didn't automatically flow out of my mind. It's been gestating for weeks...

Twice a week I get my butt to that studio and play and dance and tape and watch myself. For some reason I could not make myself create dance at home. I would have a million excuses. I needed a sanctuary, a place in space and time especially dedicated for this project. If my creative work is so important to me, I had to give it that importance. I had to learn about myself, learn what encourages me to create and what keeps me from creating. Each person needs to honor his or her own requirements. Then the growth can begin. Things actually start taking shape!

It's nice to appreciate the beauty of methodical and consistent work and to honor the fact that this is the way I operate... Can't be pushed, can't be rushed... The process needs to be enjoyed every step of the way.

GROWING A GARDEN :: blanca
from Venus Uprising's blog