An Artist’s Thought Book: intriguing thoughts about the artistic process is a book of numbered aphorisms -- one-sentence to one-page accounts -- about different topics related to creativity. The book is divided into five chapters, each contains over 50 aphorisms, that will help the reader delve into the following areas: contemplating what it means to be an artist; finding one’s voice while singing or playing music; seeking one’s muse while painting; exploring language through poetry; and discovering the nature of creativity.

Below are some examples of aphorisms from all five of the chapters. For demonstration purposes, I give examples of (1) a reflective aphorism that attempts to get the reader to contemplate about what one is trying to achieve through their art; (2) a humorous aphorism that is thoughtful but fun; and (3) a practical aphorism that points the in direction of new techniques, styles and conceptualizations.

THE BOOK 

Chapter Examples

To be an Artist

The reflective:

#42

Art is getting your conscious mind out of the way of your unconscious processes; art is the craftsmanship of the unconscious.

The humorous:

#33

When your work reveals that you are in an artistic rut, just call it your latest “period.”

The practical:

#6

Art is really about making commitments to your self.

Singing & Music

The reflective:

#1

The intentions of the song must be in the intonations of the singer.

The humorous:

#54

He takes his singing lessons from the garbage disposal.

The practical:

#25

Try to find songs that fit your voice and tingle your soul.

Painting 

The reflective:

#54

A failed painting doesn’t mean you should quit, but you should be more radical.        

The humorous:

#35

To the painter, even rust is beautiful.

The practical:

#5

Don’t forget to occasionally take a step back from your work. Most people only get within arms length once they have been intrigued by something from a distance.

Poetry

The reflective:

#15

What makes language a poem is the deliberateness of each word.

The humorous:

#33

My words turned into little punks after they dropped out of context.

The practical:

#45

Reading, Writing, Reflection are the three paths to improving one’s mind. If you want to sharpen your mind you have to rub it against something abrasive.

Creativity

The reflective:

#27

Creativity means constantly fighting habit.

The humorous:

#30

Truth's most profound size is a kernel.

The practical:

#62

You can’t turn away a visit from the muse even though she shows up at inconvenient moments.

THE BLOG 

Chapter 3:  Painting

#52

Floundering is a part of art.

When people talk about their artistic process rarely do they reminisce about the bunch of duds that they produced in a row. It seems that masterpieces or hit records often overshadow the other songs on an album or the other paintings on the wall. Painting is often about disappointment.  Often before a project is started, there is a sifting through ideas, a mental churning and gestation that must precede the beginning of most works.  Certainly, artists can get on hot streaks where everything they sing, paint, or write turns to gold.  But like a game of cards that type of streak is bound to end.  Now comes the floundering. Even success requires that you reinvent yourself or otherwise you become an artistic caricature of yourself.  One must take what one has gained from experience add that to one’s intuition so that one is able to both be patient during gestation but also be able to choose projects that extend one’s range as an artist and projects that continue to take appropriate risks.