“Being an artist is about being violently awake and sensitized, attentive and responsive.”
This statement from Anne Bogart appears in her book And Then, You Act: Making Art in an Unpredictable World.
It’s a beautiful quote, the kind of saying that snaps me out of my self-absorbed fog and reminds me why I have been called to writing for as long as I can remember.
How very nice it would be to wander the world being “attentive and responsive.” Unfortunately, the concerns of life—including a way to pay for this attentiveness—often gets in the way.
I need more reminders like this.
Yes, and there are also times when being “violently awake and sensitized” isn’t appropriate, not in a social sense, but for one’s own well-being. What to do, what to do?
Hmmm… I don’t know, sometimes when I’m “violently awake and sensitized” in a social situation I’m pretty damn funny/witty if I do say so myself.
That “violently awake and sensitized” feeling is your muse tapping you not-so gently on the shoulder, reminding you that you’re a writer, and you damned better get to writing.
Hehehe
She is one of my favorites. Thank you for quoting. It’s funny, I needed to hear that at this exact moment. But, keep in mind, it’s not the money I don’t think, it’s the fear. The violent rocking of the soul as it rips away attempting be heard after being buried for so long. Many of us are afraid, and would rather be numbed than be pushed to know our true purpose to make a change. So good for you, and good for me, and good for your like minded audience that they are willing to find their souls again and speak the truth. I look forward to reading your soul
Thanks for your comments! I’m glad you’re familiar with this writer/artist