do it anyway
"There's always a blurry line between aptitude and gift", says Jeff Tweedy. Maybe that's more comforting if you know toward which end of the spectrum you're leaning. But what if you're pretty sure you don't have either? What if by the standard measurements of capableness and ability you come up empty? If the metrics of skill and virtuosity find you wanting?
Perhaps you'd be inclined to think you have no business delving into creativity. Maybe art, music, poetry, and writing are things you just shouldn't pursue. Perhaps these are domains best left to the blessed few. Those innately endowed with some nameless spark of divinity. As for the rest of us, maybe all out efforts are best kept to ourselves.
Or maybe...
It's an invitation to say "fuck it" and do it anyway.
I don't have an art background or any design experience. I can't explain the rule of thirds. I don't understand color theory. I can't even come up with another technical term to use to prove that I know nothing.
I'm not a writer. Not an artist. Neither knowledgeable, nor talented.
What I am is curious. What I have is an acquired taste for failing. The brazenness to do it boldly and often. What I am is persistent enough to keep making the work no matter how bad it is. What I have is a willingness to share it. To do it publicly. To make a space with room enough for others to show up and fail with me.
Maybe that's something more interesting than being a virtuoso or highly skilled. Maybe it's more meaningful.
"[S]howing up with a reliably open heart and a will to share whatever spirit you can muster", Tweedy says, "is what resonates and transcends" technique and ability. Maybe it's the only thing that really matters when it comes to making things.
P.S. -
was kind enough to mention me and my collage papers along side some of her own vibrant collage work. I love making things that other people can use to make things.
And in an incredible show of generous support (and bad judgement)
mentioned this little newsletter amidst the veritable dream team of creative people on Substack. Nathaniel, my friend, you’re a poor judge of character and I love you for it.
Last but certainly not least,
wrote a gorgeous poem inspired by an index card I shared in a previous newsletter.
P.P.S. ICAD Day 304-306 - all the collages featured in this news letter are available for purchase here.
I don’t have any of those “qualifications” either. We’re both still artists!
Love “an object outside itself” especially! And I think you’re right that curiosity and the drive to try are what makes most things.