Following any kind of creative pursuit, whether it’s writing a book, painting a picture, building a gazebo or baking the perfect pie, can be frustrating when things don’t go our way.

Vincent Van Gogh - Image by Colmo
Regardless of what it is we are trying to accomplish in life – and we are all striving to accomplish something – sometimes the right words at the right time can be a powerful motivator and encourage us to push on.
Here are ten quotes by well known creatives, including artists, writers and musicians, that can speak to all of us.
1. Claude Debussy, composer and musician –
‘Works of art make rules; rules don’t make works of art.’
2. Justin Rimmer, chef –
‘Pressure can do two things – it can break you or create a diamond. What are you gonna be?’
3. John Cage Jr, composer, writer and artist –
‘I can’t understand why people are frightened of new ideas; I’m frightened of the old ones.’

John Cage Jr - Image from Wikimedia Commons
4. Vincent Van Gogh, Artist –
‘I would rather die of passion than of boredom.’
5. Andy Warhol, artist –
‘They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.’
6. Marc Chagall, artist –
‘If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothing.’
7. Ludwig Van Beethoven, German composer –
‘Don’t only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets.’

Beethoven - Image from wikimedia commons
8. Mary Sue Milliken, chef and author –
‘If I could go back and give myself advice, it would be to embrace failure.’
9. Vincent Van Gogh, artist –
‘Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.’
10. Kurt Vonnegut, author -
‘To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow – So do it.’

Kurt Vonnegut - Image from wikimedia commons
These are the words of people who have been there and done that, and have become masters in their field. There are hundreds – or more probably thousands – of inspirational quotes like these to be found on-line. Once you find the ones that resonate with you, keep them where you can see them daily to encourage you to reach your goals.
#Inspiration
#Advice
#Motivation
#Creativity