Sometimes you have it, sometimes you don't

Anyone who follows sports knows that sometimes an athelete "has it" and sometimes he "don't". Artists? Some days it's the best work you've ever done. Another day, you seem to have forgotten how to draw. I have said many times: "sometimes you draw better than you can, other days....."

There might be an explanation for the failures. You don't feel well. Your world is crumbling around you. The stress of life is smothering you. You started your period. You're in menopause. Whatever. But, what is the explanation for the extraordinary sessions at the easel, the sketchbook, the block of marble, the pottery wheel?

In Greek mythology, the nine Muses inspired the arts. They began as water nymphs, associated with springs. Later, they became the goddesses of inspiration in the Arts and Sciences. What a wonderful connection! In an apt quote for the artist, philosopher Jean Houston wrote: "Our senses are indeed our doors and windows on this world; in a very real sense the key to the unlocking of meaning and the wellspring of creativity." As a verb, muse can mean both "to dream" and yet "to agonize over". Antonyms I found? To discard, to forget, to ignore, to neglect.

The true artist does not passively wait for inspiration. Author Piers Anthony wrote: "One reason I don't suffer Writer's Block is that I don't wait on the muse, I summon it at need." I say, as an artist, accept that some works will be sub-par. Because, if you don't persist, the extraordinary work will not come.

After all, I remind myself. It's just a piece of paper.

I could easily show you one of my "hit the wall" drawings. But, I'm not always the best judge. Above is a recent drawing in which I experimented with color. Did I "have it"? I honestly don't know.