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Creativity and Yin and Yang

 

Passion is infused into art along two paths.  It is no different than in life.  There is the gentle persuasion of material and the easing together of elements.  Creating relationships with kindness, persuasion, solicitation of sensitivities.  There are also the techniques of power,  where the large muscles of the mind and body move material, embrace an idea in an intense lock that can only be released through some mutual consummation experienced between the artist and the work.

 

The gentle approach and the powerful approach.  They are equally important.  These two aspects of interaction are exactly yin and yang.  They should not be confused with male and female.  They are the tools of an artist who is an animal capable of imagination and creativity.  Miyamoto Musashi (circa 1600, Japan) might have said, “You must study this and understand it to achieve your potential.” 

 

All elements of nature can be both gentle and powerful.  It is a mistake to categorize.  Water can embrace or rip and tear.  A tree can entwine or hold a boulder above the flood.  Cherry blossoms can gently break your heart or callously clog sewer drains.

 

The nature of a creative person is also both gentle and powerful.  Both qualities are essential to the person and to their art.


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