“no artist is pleased” ~ Martha Graham
There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. … No artist is pleased. [There is] no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.
from The Life and Work of Martha Graham
A beautiful statement, with many layers of truth, drawn from experience. Even not being that kind of artist myself–how many could share the clouds with Martha Graham?– one gets enough inkling of such things from trying to appreciate the art and artists one is blessed to encounter.
This was good to hear today, thanks Annie.
Hey Annie! I love this quote from Martha Graham!Check out my blog post from Nov. 2007 just after I had finished radiation treatments and was intensely aware of my body and it’s connection to the earth.