crackers & jelly beans

i want you to remember me

it’s weird how bad times can be so inspirational. it’s like the fates are saying, “yeah, i know you’re going through a lot…so here’s some extra creativity to make up for it.”

of course, i know that when we are challenged, pushed outside of our comfort zone, pushed to our limits, we are also pushed to the limits of our creativity and beyond. those can be some of the most fertile times as an artist: for much of my life, i’ve feared that they are the only truly fertile times. but must one be a masochist or a chronically unhappy person to be an artist?

i know that it isn’t true. or i have convinced myself of it. and i think we’ve seen enough great examples of artists creating amazing work when they are happy. but, yes…the difficult times can still be some of the most fertile. i guess we have to look at it as a blessing and a curse.

it’s still possible to make great art in the absence of tragedy and pain, if one is dedicated enough. so why not embrace the fact that we have this gift when we are at our worst, when we may feel as if we have nothing left…but this.