A section of my studio wall in South Boston
The weight shifts measurably in a studio space after a large body of work goes out the door. Yes, the chaos of the last few months has cleared out, that’s true. But my experience this week was less a dust settling relief than a strong sense of space being made for something new.
And for that feeling, I would drop everything else I’m doing.
Whether success or failure, the truth of a life really has little to do with its quality. The quality of life is in proportion, always, to the capacity for delight. The capacity for delight is the gift of paying attention.
–May Sarton
(Thanks Whiskey River for the Sarton quote.)
I love this Deb, my current mantra is mindful living and are you willing to have happiness? Of course you have elucidated this in an eloquent verse.
DJ, It IS a choice, more so than I ever imagined when I was young and green.
Lovely quote from Sarton. Congratulations on getting this body of work out the door.
Deborah, I really enjoyed seeing the photo of your studio, and I love the quote-one I’d not previously encountered-from Sarton. Lovely resonance. That opening you speak of, space for something new, and shifting of weight…. well, best wishes with where it goes!
Jeffree, thanks so much. I know you know of what I speak!
I love that quote but I thought it was Julia Cameron who wrote it. I’m reading “The Artist’s Way” right now and it is in chapter 2.
James, I found this quote on Whiskey River, a very reliable blog for wisdom sources. I just did a search and it looks like most of the citings attribute it to Sarton, but some list Cameron. If anyone knows, please set the record straight. Thanks for your comment.
Yes, yes, yes. To the “view,” to the “feeling,” to the glimpse of “delight.” Thanks as always for the many spectacular tunnels to the nuggets of the arts through your eyes.
David, we are from the same tribe, clearly. Thanks for your words.