By Martha Graham (to Agnes DeMille)
Submitted by Mark McNabb
Date: 2002 Jan 27
Comment on this Work
[[2002.01.27.21.23.26818]]

ADVICE TO AN ARTIST

"There is a vitality, a life force,
a quickening that is translated through
you into action, and because there is
only one of you in all time, this
expression is unique. And if you block it,
it will never exist through any other medium
- and be lost.  The world will not have it.

It is not your business to determine
how good it is, nor how it compares with
other expressions.  It IS your business to
keep it yours clearly and directly - to keep
the channel open.

You do not even have to believe in yourself
or your work. You have to keep open and
aware directly to the urges that motivate you.

Keep the channel open.

No artist is pleased.  There is no satisfaction
whatever at any time.  There is only a queer,
divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that
keeps us marching and makes us more alive
than the others."