Another kind of influence (see The Process Of Originality) and, to me, the most important kind to a creative person’s life and work, is encouragement. I don’t discount the other artistically molding experiences of course, they are quite important. But to touch someone’s heart to the degree that they are inspired to go further, this is our highest calling.

I look back sometimes, in regret, and think about the unfortunate things I’ve said to people just as a joke. But to someone struggling to accomplish, struggling to “go further”, this is not humorous; it is, in fact, taken to heart. I used to think that my words didn’t matter, that what I said would not be taken seriously. But, truth is, words do matter. We are a sponge, even as adults we soak in what people say. 

I know, as artists, we must learn to shield ourselves from negativity; but that is impossible to do entirely. To be human is to be vulnerable. Actress Julianna McCarthy said, “…if you lose your vulnerability to being hurt by criticism, you lose the very vulnerability that makes you able to be an artist.”

I look back also and think about the people who have encouraged me along the way. There have been many. They got nothing out of it, at least to the naked eye; they were sincerely moved to lift another up. I am thankful beyond words for these wonderful souls and, because of their influence, strive to do the same in my life.

Links: 

Kirsty Hall’s Up All Night Again –  “Succeed Online: Champion Others”