“Do stuff. Be clenched, curious. Not waiting for inspiration’s shove or society’s kiss on your forehead. Pay attention. It’s all about paying attention. Attention is vitality. It connects you with others. It makes you eager. Stay eager.” — Susan Sontag
Susan Sontag writes about how to live a life, which I find particularly meaningful for artmakers.
I challenge you to test these principles while on holiday.
Life is here. Now. There is a difference in a traveler and a tourist. If your visit is but a weekend, try doing it with a few simple principles that I discovered while on artistic retreat. (You may be surprised by joy!)
• Keep a journal. Write three pages every morning in pencil, in long hand.
• Walk everywhere. Attentively.
• Practice Gratitude
• Make friends
• Give stuff away – for generosity of spirit
• Eliminate distraction (tv, especially the news)
If you’ve brought a camera, and long to connect with the culture, try this advice, by Bob Krist of National Geographic. “They have to know you are not there stealing pictures because you find them bizarre or curious but because you find them admirable or interesting. Contribute rather than consume.”
People on the bus go round n round
Through an Artist's Eye 