Oct. 15, 2002
For me, the creative process is generally more interesting than the outcome so when I discovered that the author/artist Nick Bantock would be in town to talk about his work, I was more than excited.
For two-hours he spoke of his creative process in great detail; from the setup of his studio to the music he played in it. He talked of his walks to the post, people he knew, and his life in art school. He also told the story of how he created his famous work, Griffin and Sabine and how it became published. Simply fascinating because it was all so real.
He didn’t have an out of the ordinary childhood, or talents that were given to him by gods. He didn’t drink special detoxifying drinks to help him stay creative and he spoke plainly without fancy catch-phrases. He was a real man with a real passion – art – and he made it into something real.
At the end I waited in line so that I could have him sign his biography book that I own. When it came my turn we chatted for a moment and then I did something that was scary – I handed him my business card.
At first, I felt sheepish about showing him my work as next to his collages and stories, my 4X6 postcard seemed rather awkward. Yet I did it because just like him, what I’m doing is real. Although I might lack the years or talent that he possess, I’m doing what I love to do as is he. There are no special levels when it comes to people – we’re all just doing what we do.
By handing him my card, I was trying to solidify my belief in that as it’s one thing to think it and another to act on it. To accept that I’m an artist just as any other, I have to get over my fear of showing it.
Tonight, I did just that.