Bigger v. smaller

I've been hearing a lot lately, from different sources, about having a vision for your life. When I get the same message from several directions, it usually means that I need to pay attention. So I have been trying to come up with a big vision.

My wife thinks I should think smaller. I can have a vision for our family, for my street, for my department at work. Whatever. And I'm not discounting the validity of what she's saying, but I feel like I need to start or be part of something BIG. Heck, somebody has to think big. Maybe it's time to spark a Christian art revolution. Maybe it's time to write a book. Who knows?

The point is, when I listen to visionaries talk (or more often read what they said), I get the itch again. In the words of Dane Cook, "I want that. Why not me?"

A creativity break

"4.2.08 - I look at my screen and see only blank white. I've been dancing around this empty idea for a couple hours, and it won't get any better without help. I reach for some old CAs, flip through them for inspiration. No dice. All I feel inspired to do is draw and paint, not design. I'm beginning to think that the results speak for themselves. When designing gets difficult, I reach for my pen and brush, and I almost always find joy there. Have I missed my true calling? Initially, it appears so. But if that is the case, I have no remorse over it. I can always start down another path, and this way at least I get a paycheck while I chase down what I really want to do. And this hobby really works well when it's relief from my job. I hate to imagine how it would be if it was the job from which I need some relief."

In retrospect, I really do enjoy being a designer sometimes. I wonder how many true designers would get joy from some of the stuff I'd had to do lately. But my question is this: people out there who have a job doing what you absolutely love, where do you turn when that job wears on you?

----------------
Now playing: Melpo Mene - Dream About Me

It starts today.

"March 18, 2008 — It starts today. This is the day I truly begin to strive for great artistry. For too long I've sat in a place of comfort and leisure, afraid or unwilling to make sacrifices for this persistent dream of being a great artist. Today I have to ask myself if this dream is really worth pursuing, not for the first time and, God willing, hopefully not the last. Today I must be in or out. Either I commit to chasing down the elusive beast or I give it up as mere frivolity. There are any number of things to hold me back, very good things with which to occupy my life. But this dream, this passion, may never leave me alone. So the question remains: IN OR OUT? Today I choose to be in. Today I select the path of determination. Today I rededicate myself to elevating above the fray, come what may. Today I dream of growing the beard of the truly inspired individual. It starts today."

If you didn't catch the American Experience episode about Ansel Adams on PBS last night, you owe it to yourself to track it down. I always dismissed him out of hand, solely because everyone had a print of his in their house. I never really considered his message or his artistry. Apparently the guy was very dedicated and hardworking. That makes sense, and gives me a shot in the arm. The part about his lightroom techniques was fantastic. Dude burned and dodged like a mofo, obviously.

----------------
Now playing: Radiohead - Fitter Happier

Friday's desk

Lacking inspiration.