Artists of all kind claim they’re merely the instrument for the creative muse and the only credit they’ll take about their work is that they showed up to receive it. Whether you believe this to be humility or false modesty, it certainly is an interesting perspective. You can’t take credit if the work turns out brilliant and you can’t take the blame if it doesn’t. Sound like a cop-out? I think it sounds like health.

When you present your art to the world you risk being shot down with brutal force or being praised as the saviour of the universe. Having either experience can lead to thoughts such as “What’s the point of creating? They’re right, I have no talent” or “I could never create anything that’s that good again, there’s no point in trying.”

But what if there was some magical muse surrounding you and it’s their responsibility to tell you exactly what to do? It’d keep you humble as well as take the pressure off. And imagine how much fun it’d be to play with such an imaginary friend!

Elizabeth Gilbert, author of the best seller, Eat, Pray, Love, explains in the TED Talk below that the idea of spirits guiding artists has been around for eons.  It’s a very thought-provoking presentation, and I’m sure you’ll find it inspirational. It might even get you to introduce yourself to that muse hovering around you….