“The canvas is its own reward.” Steven Pressfield
This tiny quote comes from the book, The War of Art.1 It’s a book I’ve recommended and given away more than any other. I own the physical book but also have the audiobook, which I’ve listened to more than fifty times.
Just last week a friend sent me this message.
Terry, thank you so much for recommending The War of Art! I finished it yesterday … what a motivating book!
My reply to him was…
I’m so glad it spoke to you. It is pretty wild, I was listening to the audio version of the book today.
I tell you all of this to say the book has had a profound impact on my life. It’s helped me write five books, a screenplay, and complete many other creative works.
Here’s the point. If you have a desire to do something creative, the way you view that creative act is just as important, if not more important, than the actual creating. This truth extends to all acts of creativity.
The canvas, as Steve says, is the reward. The act of doing can usher in the reward if we view it in the right context. If we change our focus to the creation, instead of the finished product, we can realize the immense benefits of being a creator.
Prolific artists understand this.
“Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what's inside you, to make your soul grow.” Kurt Vonnegut
I hope this encouragement speaks to you, and helps you take one more step in your creative journey.
The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield.
Bits of Wisdom Podcast #51