posted
My longtime co-worker/employee, Joey Marshall, gave me the incredible book 'Art and Fear' for my birthday.
I recommend it for the commonality you will recognize in all of us who delve into the world of creative experiences. We're much alike . . . and it is cathartic and healing to know others 'suffer' in such good ways as we do. To know we're never alone in the world is the hallmark of a happier soul . . .
But as with many things that happen to me, coincidence or karma stepped in as I flipped it open last night towards the middle of the book . . . The chapter was "Competition" . . .
How friggin' appropriate with regards to the message Dan Sawatzky and I are trying to get across to other artists with our 'battles' . . . So in the spirit of letting someone else say it besides Dan or myself, let me quote the book:
"There's no denying competition. It's hardwired into us. It's chemical. Good athletes bank on that surge of energy that arises in the instant of knowing they can overtake the runner just ahead. Good artists thrive on exhibit and publication deadlines, on working twenty hours straight to see the pots are glazed and fired 'just so', on making their next work better than their last. The urge to compete provides a source of raw energy, and for that purpose alone it can be exceptionally useful. In a healthy artistic environment , that energy is directed inward to fulfill one's own potential. In a healthy artistic environment artists are not in competition with each other."
Anyone think this sounds like a Walldog or Letterhead meet?
One world, one tribe. Push yourself. Failure is mandatory for growth.
BE - YOUR - BEST.
We are NOT what we think we are . . . we are even greater than we could ever imagine. Just give yourself that chance . . .
Right, Dan?
[ August 11, 2010, 11:37 AM: Message edited by: Jay Allen ]
-------------------- Jay Allen ShawCraft Sign Co. Machesney Park, IL jallen222@aol.com http://www.shawcraft.com/
"The object of the superior man is truth." -Confucius Posts: 1285 | From: Machesney Park, IL, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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-------------------- John Byrd Ball Ground, Georgia 770-735-6874 http://johnbyrddesign.com so happy I gotta sit on both my hands to keep from wavin' at everybody! Posts: 741 | From: Ball Ground, Georgia, USA | Registered: May 1999
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-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
My sentiments exactly, that is what makes it all come together. There is no better feeling than to know you have done your best and to be satisfied with the results. Bill
-------------------- Bill Riedel Riedel Sign Co., Inc. 15 Warren Street Little Ferry, N.J. 07643 billsr@riedelsignco.com Posts: 2953 | From: Little Ferry, New Jersey, USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted
one world, one tribe, one guy with pink shorts... if failure is mandatory for growth i must be huge, and jay must be the best motorcycle stunt man EVER!
-------------------- Pete Payne Willowlake Design/Canadian Signcrafters Bayfield, ON
posted
It's so cool having heard the voices of so many here... now when I read these inspirational topics, I hear the enthusiasm or sincerity of each of these characters above in their own voice, rhythm & cadence... Of the above, Tim (Timi) is the newest friend I've finally met, and for those who haven't met him... what a character he is! With quite a unique blend of relaxed southern charm, challenging biker-like confidence, and an incongruous intensity of sign trade wisdom ranging from his old billboard days to the wonders of computer technology..
And another Amen to the well written competitive spirit comments!
posted
<one world, one tribe, one guy with pink shorts... if failure is mandatory for growth i must be huge, and jay must be the best motorcycle stunt man EVER!>
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Leave it to you, Pete . . . Miss ya' buddy.
-------------------- Jay Allen ShawCraft Sign Co. Machesney Park, IL jallen222@aol.com http://www.shawcraft.com/
"The object of the superior man is truth." -Confucius Posts: 1285 | From: Machesney Park, IL, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Doug..Tim Barrow IS, along with Sonny and Mark and Jimmy Chatham and Many Many others, one of the NICEST guys Shirl and I have ever had the chance to meet.
I know it is way early..but we are planning on doing stuff at the next walldog meet in Plymouth WI next year!!
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
posted
hmmm, bought that book in Santa Cruz in February...i think the next step is to read it....
thanks, Jay
-------------------- John Lennig / Big Top Sign Arts 5668 Ewart Street, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada bigtopya@hotmail.com 604.451.0006 Posts: 2184 | From: Burnaby, British Columbia,Canada | Registered: Nov 2001
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[ August 14, 2010, 11:05 AM: Message edited by: Joe Crumley ]
-------------------- Joe Crumley Norman Sign Company 2200 Research Park Blvd. Norman, OK 73069 Posts: 1428 | From: 2200 Research Park Blvd. | Registered: Sep 2001
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posted
"With quite a unique blend of relaxed southern charm, challenging biker-like confidence, and an incongruous intensity of sign trade wisdom ranging from his old billboard days to the wonders of computer technology.. "
Doug, was that a euphemism for "Timi's a smart old fart"?
-------------------- www.signcreations.net Sonny Franks Lilburn, GA 770-923-9933 Posts: 4115 | From: Lilburn, GA USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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