Artists are visionaries. We routinely practice a form of faith, seeing clearly and moving toward a creative goal that shimmers in the distance - often visible to us, but invisible to those around us.

Creativity is always a leap of faith. You're faced with a blank page, blank easel, or an empty stage.

It is all too easy as an artist to allow the shape of our career to be dictated to us by others. We can so easily wait to be chosen. Such passivity invites despair. To remain healthy and vital, artists must stay proactive in their own behalf.

The beginner's humility and openness lead to exploration. Exploration leads to accomplishment. All of it begins at the beginning, with the first small and scary step.

Exercise often moves us straight from stagnation to inspiration, from problem to solution, from self-pity to self-respect.

Mystery is at the heart of creativity. As creative channels, we need to trust the darkness.

Creativity flourishes when we have a sense of safety and self-acceptance.