The War of Art

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield.

So I'm almost done with another book called The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. It has been a great book and a quick, easy read. Generally the book is about overcoming Resistance which is the antagonist in any creative's life. It is filled with quick micro-chapters that pack a good punch.

One such micro-chapter called "A Professional Demystifies" states the following, which is worth quoting in full:

"A pro views her work as craft, not art. Not because she believes art is devoid of a mystical dimension. On the contrary. She understands that all creative endeavor is holy, but she doesn't dwell on it. She knows if she thinks about that too much, it will paralyze her. So she concentrates on technique. The professional masters how, and leaves what and why to the gods. Like Somerset Maugham she doesn't wait for inspiration, she acts in the anticipation of its apparition. The professional is acutely aware of the intangibles that go into inspiration. Out of respect for them, she lets them work. She grants them their sphere while she concentrates on hers.

The sign of the amateur is over glorification of and preoccupation with the mystery.

The professional shuts up. She doesn't talk about it. She does her work."

I love this idea that we are somewhat removed from the process of "making" the idea of our work. Instead we do the work knowing the idea will come, like preparing a dinner for an invited guest. We anticipate his arrival, we make sure there is a setting waiting for him whenever he decides to show.