I recently came across a letter written by the dancer, Martha Graham, to her friend Agnes deMille. It articulates so beautifully the healthy unrest creatives should have with their work.
She makes the point that our job is to keep making things, as clearly and directly as we can. And even if we don’t like what we’re creating, we need to continue, and stay open to the things that motivate us. That’s a powerful message.
I’m pasting Martha’s text below. It’s a great read.
“There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, not how it compares with other expression. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.”