Going to Work

 

the next Cuba painting. Initial statement in acrylic.

 

In an interview famous artist Chuck Close made a deep and (for me) life changing statement. He said that you have to "go to work everyday" and in an unexpected moment you will learn something profound or do the best work you ever produced.

 

Today that profound learning experience came while I was playing steel drum at a nightly gig, with my new friend Mary. We play jazz for the supper crowd at one of the upscale restaurants in Key West, Bistro Sole. A week ago she asked me to sit in with her after she heard me playing some jazz at the Green Parrot. I said sure and once we put a steel drum playing jazz with her voice and guitar, we knew we had something special. we've played together nearly every night since.

 

tonite while I was "at work" I discovered that I could play a certain note at the end of a phrase or ending of a song, that I had never played before. I was experimenting, much the way you do when you paint, just being driven along by the sound, and I stumbled on that tasty note that i'll be able to use till the day I die. it's now on my "hard drive" and I can pull it out of my bag of tricks when appropriate. I was like a kid on Christmas day. it happened "at work".

 

you were so right Mr. Close!

 

so the next time youre standing in front of your easel painting, or instrument playing, or computer writing a novel, remember don't wait for inspiration to hit, or try to do something notable. just go to work.