Quote:
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Originally Posted by Steven Sweeney
I would not characterize those years as unproductive.
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Steven--
I believe that most of what you've said here is so, especially the above.
I often feel that I'm playing catch-up when I compare my work to others, but in the privacy of the studio, I realize that what matters is the time ahead and not the past. Like you, I accept that most times, "It'll shine when it shines." And too, that regret for the past--trying to "understand backwards"--is usually a waste of spirit.
As you might expect, when I DID get back to hands-on work, it was there for me in a completely new and powerful way. All the pent-up looking at art and analyzing it that I had done during that "lost" time came roaring forward almost out of nowhere--as much to my surprise as anyone's. So I must have been doing SOMETHING during those years I spent 'getting ready" to work. I was just unaware of what it was.
Just one cautionary note to everyone: If you're feeling blocked, take a cue from Steven and others and take a walk. Just don't make it a TWELVE YEAR walk.
Even though you speak the truth, I've got to give a nod to your dad, too. I have a quote from philosopher Friedrich Engels on my studio wall that goes: "An ounce of action is worth a ton of theory."
Best as always--TE