What do we mean by that? We mean that any buried barriers
must be aired before the work can proceed. The same holds
true for any buried payoffs to not working. Blocks are
seldom mysterious. They are, instead, recognizable artistic
defenses against what is perceived (rightly or wrongly) as a
hostile environment.
Remember, your artist is a creative child. It sulks, throws
tantrums, holds grudges, harbors irrational fears. Like most
children, it is afraid of the dark, the bogeyman, and any
adventure that isn’t safely scary. As your artist’s parent and
guardian, its big brother, warrior, and companion, it falls to
you to convince your artist it is safe to come out and (work)
play.
Beginning any new project, it’s a good idea to ask your
artist a few simple questions. These questions will help
remove common bugaboos standing between your artist and
the work. These same questions, asked when work grows
difficult or bogs down, usually act to clear the obstructed
flow.
- List any resentments (anger) you have in connection
with this project. It does not matter how petty, picky,
or irrational these resentments may appear to your
adult self. To your artist child they are real big deals:
grudges.
Some examples: I resent being the second artist
asked, not the first. (I am too the best.) ... I resent this
editor, she just nitpicks. She never says anything
nice.... I resent doing work for this idiot; he never