I can only speak to the writing portion of things, but I think it’s telling that a lot of people who earn MFAs—even from vaunted programs like Iowa—end up abandoning professional writing altogether at some point. There are two things at work there. First, most people are simply bad at writing and no amount of graduate education can make up for a lack of talent. But for the people that are talented and have spent money to dedicate a couple years of their life to a program—I think there’s a misunderstanding of how hard this all is. Immediate success is the exception. I have a lot of people come to me asking for help but with the implicit expectation (or entitlement) that it’s inevitable they’ll be successful right away. They don’t expect the struggle or the false starts, and when they encounter them their first, permanent reaction is to give up.
this was such a wonderful read—all the big questions about life and artistic practice in here!!
I loved the different responses to the question of feeling good enough and doing work they feels good/high-quality/meaningful. Eric Hu’s response was especially helpful: “You’re good. Please start the rest of your life.” It makes me think about how artistic insecurity seems like a useful motivating force…but maybe the truly useful thing is feeling good enough to do the really exciting, meaningful work NOW
Loved reading this! I’m still trying to dissect what good work is to me. The best way I can describe it is that it feels like it’s always existed. You look at it and think “of course!” There’s a sureness and ease which is something I’m always chasing in my own work. I think this goodness also shines through when the process is playful/fluid and less forced.
Thank you, Carly! And I failed to get you a response to your question, so here is how I define how I can tell if I am on the right path or pulling at the right thread, or if I dare think something I am working on is GOOD. I can't stop THINKING about it, and it also has to make me a bit nervous while I am working on it and nervous when I am thinking about it. Years and years ago, before I shared my first batch of credit card drawings, I felt physically ill the night before I posted them online, and I still consider that body of work to be strong when I reflect on it almost 20 years later. And, I think 20 years later, I keep chasing that high of making piles until I make something that I can't stop thinking about and then I keep making it until I decide to put it to bed or until it morphs into something else. Once it feels easy, I worry that it's no longer good. But, essentially, it's a whole body feeling!
It is a lovely read. Thanks for putting together these wonderful insights. I also resonates with Eric Hu’s response.
The first time I discovered getting good is supposed to be painful is from the Christoph Niemann episode on Netflix’s Abstract.
Fear is a powerful motivation to become better, but it is consuming. I’m currently in a slow process to make myself recognize there’s more to life to attend to - not just my life, but others’ too. As a newly-wed myself, I recognize the anxious moments when I’m missing out on all the good and new things happening in front of my eyes. I’ve been struggling every now and then, but also learning.
Congratulations on getting married. Your wedding looks like a blast 🫶 and fun nails!! 🤩
I can only speak to the writing portion of things, but I think it’s telling that a lot of people who earn MFAs—even from vaunted programs like Iowa—end up abandoning professional writing altogether at some point. There are two things at work there. First, most people are simply bad at writing and no amount of graduate education can make up for a lack of talent. But for the people that are talented and have spent money to dedicate a couple years of their life to a program—I think there’s a misunderstanding of how hard this all is. Immediate success is the exception. I have a lot of people come to me asking for help but with the implicit expectation (or entitlement) that it’s inevitable they’ll be successful right away. They don’t expect the struggle or the false starts, and when they encounter them their first, permanent reaction is to give up.
Lovvved reading this, so much to think on! And so many paths to good, which feels freeing. Congrats on get MARRIEEEDDDDDDDD
I loved reading this. Thank you for exploring!
this was such a wonderful read—all the big questions about life and artistic practice in here!!
I loved the different responses to the question of feeling good enough and doing work they feels good/high-quality/meaningful. Eric Hu’s response was especially helpful: “You’re good. Please start the rest of your life.” It makes me think about how artistic insecurity seems like a useful motivating force…but maybe the truly useful thing is feeling good enough to do the really exciting, meaningful work NOW
Loved reading this! I’m still trying to dissect what good work is to me. The best way I can describe it is that it feels like it’s always existed. You look at it and think “of course!” There’s a sureness and ease which is something I’m always chasing in my own work. I think this goodness also shines through when the process is playful/fluid and less forced.
Thank you, Carly! And I failed to get you a response to your question, so here is how I define how I can tell if I am on the right path or pulling at the right thread, or if I dare think something I am working on is GOOD. I can't stop THINKING about it, and it also has to make me a bit nervous while I am working on it and nervous when I am thinking about it. Years and years ago, before I shared my first batch of credit card drawings, I felt physically ill the night before I posted them online, and I still consider that body of work to be strong when I reflect on it almost 20 years later. And, I think 20 years later, I keep chasing that high of making piles until I make something that I can't stop thinking about and then I keep making it until I decide to put it to bed or until it morphs into something else. Once it feels easy, I worry that it's no longer good. But, essentially, it's a whole body feeling!
It is a lovely read. Thanks for putting together these wonderful insights. I also resonates with Eric Hu’s response.
The first time I discovered getting good is supposed to be painful is from the Christoph Niemann episode on Netflix’s Abstract.
Fear is a powerful motivation to become better, but it is consuming. I’m currently in a slow process to make myself recognize there’s more to life to attend to - not just my life, but others’ too. As a newly-wed myself, I recognize the anxious moments when I’m missing out on all the good and new things happening in front of my eyes. I’ve been struggling every now and then, but also learning.
Congratulations on getting married. Your wedding looks like a blast 🫶 and fun nails!! 🤩
Something about someone saying there’s a gap is comforting