There is a quote on my desk written in Sharpie marker: "Writer's Block is a phony, made up, BS excuse for not doing your work." It's from Jerry Seinfeld, one of my comedic heroes.
I love philosophy. Some "old friends" are Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, who have been with me most of my life and continue to inspire me.
On my own personal creative journey however, it's the Masters of Comedy who lead the way. I read their books and plays, watch their stand up routines, listen to every interview with them that I can find. The common denominator is the unrelenting discipline they manifested in order to achieve their goals.
Steve Martin wrote, "Onstage, every second mattered, every gesture mattered." Also, "Everything was learned in practice." He watched tapes of performances to analyze and make improvements. At the beginning, he learned to craft his magic act, "six minutes at a time, four times a day, five on Sunday, for three years."
Jimmy Fallon literally studied tapes of Saturday Night Live, learning comedic timing and where the laughs were found. He was unstoppable in his determination, not only achieving the coveted spot on SNL, but now at the epic level of success, hosting The Tonight Show.
Lucille Ball was a force in entertainment from the beginning of her career, working her way up from a "Ziegfeld Girl" in films to becoming the Lucy we all loved on television. She was also a producer and studio executive (She and Desi Arnaz bought the former RKO Studios and transformed them into Desilu Studios.)
What does all of this have to do with an artist in the Canadian Rockies? EVERYTHING. On days when my sketches are wonky, I think of these unflappable souls and keep drawing. When I'm nervous about entering an art show, worried, I'm not "enough", I read about them being brave enough to take each step to the stage, with deep breaths and fingers crossed. When money isn't arriving regularly and I feel hopeless, the fearful moment disappears quickly as I remember the struggles I've read about that these folks endured.
If you are going to learn anything, learn from the best. My discipline to persevere through "bad" drawings and paintings comes directly from the comedy greats I've listed above, part of a long list of heroes I rely on to encourage me when I stand alone at an easel.
If I think a painting is good, I'm happy, even if it doesn't get the reaction I'd like, or doesn't sell. Knowing in my heart that I did the best I could and put in the study time beforehand: that has to be enough. Compliments, sales and awards...those are the sprinkles on top.
Thank you for spending this time with me,
Lori xx