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Originally Posted by Linda Brandon
Some of the things artists do to distinguish themselves from other artists seem gimmicky to me.
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I agree absolutely, and though I won't open the can of worms by naming names, some of the best-known contemporary artists being feted and deified have signature habits and quirks that I find extremely annoying, when encountered over and over -- as if they couldn't think of a different way to say something. I do realize that from a marketing perspective, consistency is important, but it also has that well-know hobgoblin quality. And there's a line, worth honoring, I think, between an artist's saying, "Look, here's the way I saw this subject," on the one hand, and, on the other, "Look at me!"
There's more than enough room in the world for both, but I'm not getting any younger, so I'm getting more particular. (Not unlike Bear Claw, in "Jeremiah Johnson," who when asked if he'd grown particular, responded, "Not about feedin', just the company I keep.")
And yes, Pema Chodron's advice -- her work has taken me to places I've barely glimpsed until now. I can't recommend her too highly.