artist With a Little a

This awesome book, by the amazing Danny Gregory, arrived in the mail for me yesterday-

Art Before Breakfast by Danny Gregory

I love good books on the topic of creativity.  Another book of Danny's, (we are  on a first name basis, only he doesn't know mine) Creative License is one of my all time favorites.  So when I saw that he's just put a new one out, I ordered it immediately.  I'll take all the creative inspiration I can get!

I love the title of this book Art Before Breakfast.  I think that idea of getting important things under your belt at the very beginning of each day is so smart.  For me, I've always done my workouts first thing in the morning- That way, no matter how busy my day gets, I've already carved out the time for my health.  Danny points out at the very beginning of the book that,

"Art will make your life richer. And more fun. And better. And cooler. And less stressed. And...."

So I think I need to put a little creativity into my morning mix as well! And according to Danny, that's not as overwhelming as it sounds.  As long as you can think of yourself as an artist with a little a.

This is how he explains it:

"Art with a big "A" is for museums, galleries, critics, and collectors. art with a small "a" is for the rest of us.  

Art is a business, an industry, a racket. art is about passion, love, life, humanity-everything that is truly valuable.

Art is sold, resold, put under the gavel, and insured up the wazoo. art with a small "a" is not a product. It's a point of view.  It's a way of life.

Art is made by trained professionals and experts. art is made by accountants, farmers, and stay-at-home moms at restaurant tables, in parking lots, and laundry rooms.

Art takes Art School and Talent and years of Suffering and Sacrifice. art just takes a desire and 15 minutes a day.

You may not be an Artist. Big whoop. But I know you can make art- with a wonderful, expressive, teeny, tiny a."