Real Artists Work

I’m always inspired by being around artists that challenge and stretch me and since I’ve given up being a passion basher, I see people differently, places differently and my fellow creatives differently.

This past weekend my wife and I headed to the city for artistic inspiration: New York City. My takeaway from our getaway: real artists work.

Actors

We saw a couple Broadway shows…

In Cyrano De Bergerac, Cyrano’s first entrance was from the street–from house right of the theater. He then ranted throughout the entire theater, climbing several floors of steps to deliver lines at various locations while shrouding his facial protuberance in the dark of the performance hall and the tilt of his plumed hat.

Only a top athlete could accomplish this feat without becoming breathless and extremely winded.

The performance on the whole was food for all my senses and reminded me that real artists work…and work very hard.

Chefs

I was in foodie heaven and always am when in New York City.

We began at Veselka, warming ourselves with homemade boiled Ukrainian pierogis. Our choice of fillings: cheese, pumpkin and goat cheese with arugula. This is on the wall…

That wall took work. Why not just paint it white and move on?

Those pierogis took work. Why not just get some frozen and jack up the price?

No, Veselka takes pride in all they do.

Thanks Veselka…and Xai Xai, Cafe Orlin and the coffee, candy and confection places too!

Sculptors

New York City’s artists are inside and outside–they’re everywhere. This dude was sculpting faces on the street. Painting portraits I’ve seen. Sculpting was a new one for me. It was a bit cold too and his hands were on wet clay–brrrr.

Real artists work.

You and Me

As I begin my workweek today, I’m infused with the creativity and pride of the artists in New York City. I’m ready to head to the office and write those e-mails, make those phone calls, edit that training video and write that newsletter.

Whatever we do, we can infuse our work with that extra effort and care of a true artist who takes satisfaction and pride in creating something beautiful, meaningful and powerful. Work isn’t a curse–it’s a pleasure.

Have a good week!

[box options]A special announcement coming out later this week about the Ten Commandments for Creatives ebook! Stay tuned![/box]

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One last pic…just because it’s way to beautiful to not share.