I first heard this quote in a sermon at church, and my husband immediately wrote it down on a piece of scrap paper. I designed this poster in Photoshop, printed it out, and hung it next to my desk. (If you like it, you can download the full-res version by clicking on the image above and saving it to your computer.)
This quote inspires me to work hard on my art, even when I don't feel like it. Although I love drawing, I also love to be lazy. Sometimes I'll think to myself, "I should be drawing," and then I'll think, "or I could play video games." This poster reminds me that if I continually make the decision to procrastinate, I won't be an artist; I'll be a procrastinator.
The second part of the quote goes, "excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." I recently discovered a great illustration of this. There's a kid at my school whose paintings are absolutely phenomenal. "He's a prodigy," I said to a friend. "He's not a prodigy, he just works hard," she replied. "I asked him what he did for his birthday, and he said 'I painted.'"
The second part of the quote goes, "excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." I recently discovered a great illustration of this. There's a kid at my school whose paintings are absolutely phenomenal. "He's a prodigy," I said to a friend. "He's not a prodigy, he just works hard," she replied. "I asked him what he did for his birthday, and he said 'I painted.'"
And that's why he's amazing.
Do you have any quotes that inspire you?
Love the quote (and love Aristotle, did a philosophy minor). I always like the idea from a few philosophers that being good had to be a habit, not something we conciously do but something we had to be taught habitually.
ReplyDeleteOne quote I always really liked was
"Being an artist entails the assumption that everything in life is relevant".
We are what we continually eat.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing...his paintings and drawings are fantastic!!
ReplyDeleteLenoracle, that quote is definitely thought-provoking. I really like it!
ReplyDeleteIf we are what we continually eat, then I'm a piece of cake.
Artybecca, I know, he is super amazing!
You are amazing, over and over and over and over. I just stumbled on your blog through etsy and I am blown away by your work! Keep up the good work :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Ann! :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite quote that has gotten me through the trials of my life is "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose." -Romans 8:28
ReplyDelete