Louise Nevelson

"True strength is delicate."

— Louise Nevelson

American Sculptor

1899 - 1988

Strength comes from gentleness, not from overused muscle.  True strength often appears weak to the uninitiated.  Bullying is not strength.  Overpowering is not strength.  Standing firm in the face of danger is strength.  Strength is like water wearing away the stone.  The stone is not stronger than the water.  Yet, many would say the stone is strong.  The water is strong by appearing weak.  Is your art like water or like stone?  Does it have true strength or it only appear strong?  Embrace your inner strength.  Believe in the power of your spirit to conquer the obstacles in your path like water conquers rock.

Louise Nevelson

"Another thing about creation is that every day it is like it gave birth, and it's always kind of innocent and refreshing.  So it's always virginal to me, and it's always a surprise."

— Louise Nevelson

American Artist

1899 - 1988



Sky Cathedral
(1958)



Does your creative work surprise you?  Do you find yourself full of joy when you are working?  Are you excited about the possible outcome?  Creative work should be fun and bring us moments of happiness.  If it is a struggle for you to create, then you need to work on freeing the creative juices.  These days I can sit down at my desk and write without hesitation.  I just start writing and don't worry about the outcome.  And most times I have no idea where the story will go or what the characters will say.  The same with art.  I pick up the pen and start drawing.  I have muzzled that voice inside that always wants to criticize and tell me how terrible I am.  I don't give him a chance to scream at me.  I am learning to enjoy the moment.