I’m often discouraged by people who refer to my art ability as a gift or blessing. In the last 34 years, I’ve spent many hours looking at, thinking about, talking about, reading about and, above all, making art. It’s not a gift, it’s not a blessing, it’s a decision.

I don’t make this proclamation in an effort to garner more credit for myself, I say it in an effort to empower others. If you want to be an artist, stop hoping, wishing and praying and start doodling.

6 Responses to “Gift Receipt”
  1. jeff says:

    god bless you Todd.

  2. Brian says:

    I tried the artist route, but didn’t have the same willpower as you have to hone my rather pitiable natural abilities into something finer. Luckily I’m naturally “gifted” as a chef, so I can just be lazy and crank out the food!

  3. Ronnie Bookbinder says:

    This sure speaks to me. Congratulations on your continued success as the thinking man’s artist.

  4. Andres says:

    If people knew how hard I had to work to gain my mastery, it wouldn’t seem wonderful at all. – Michelangelo

  5. Broc Randall says:

    Todd,

    Your TOTALLY RIGHT! You have empowered me.

  6. kristin says:

    Thank you. Its about time someone blogged what I was thinking.

    …Wait. Maybe I thought what you were blogging.